New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-09-27
OFFERS A TUBE TO CITY,
Interborough Would Turn Over
SteinWay Tunnel Free of Cost.
TO GET OTHER FRANCHISES
Would Operate 1t as Part OF
Present Subway System-Cost
to Taxpayers 81, 100000.

to Taxpayers 81, 100000.
The Public Service Commission will
hold a public hearing on Saturday morn
ing upon the application of the Inter
borough Rapid Transit Company for ex-
tensions and additions to it's lines. The
chief feature of the latest offer OF the
marlborough is that the company is
ready to turn over TO the city the title
TO the Steinway tunnel in return for
franchise to operate it on the same terms
as the present subway and under the
condition that the city pay the amount
for operation and to connect it with the
Grand Central Station.
II is estimated that this would not
cost more than 81 800. 900. and the COM
pany offers to pay interest on this sum
and provide a sinking fund for it, so that
the city will own the tunnel at the end
of the contract with the marlborough
without additional expenditures.
Two years ago the marlborough inter-
ests asked 100000 from the city for
the Steinway tunnel. and ever since the
tunnel has figured in all the proposals of
the company. but willingness to reduce
the price asked was never shown.
Since that time said Chairman Will
cox yesterday. "a number of conferences
have been held between representatives
of the commission and representatives of
the company concerning various details
of their proposition. These conferences
have now reached the point where ap-
parently it is possible for the commits
sion TO take immediate action upon the
application of the company. to the end
that such additions to the transporta-
ton facilities may be made. Before TAX
ing the matter up. however. for formal
action the commission is DESTROYS of Civ
ing the public an opportunity to present
its views for or against the additions
and extensions asked for by the Inter
borough
Extensions to 81" System Involved
The points that are to be considered at
the hearing are the third tracking of the
Second. Third and Ninth avenue elevated
lines and the extensions to the elevated
system, which will require the laying out
of the following rapid transit routes or
the granting of franchises:
Third-A tvo-track elevated route from
the 143d street station OF the Third avenue
elevated through private property on Willis
and Bergen avenues to a connection with
tne W Mes6Gi I1 avenue line of the rapid
borough Rapid Transit Company
Second-A three-track elevated route from
Third and Pelham avenues, through Pei
avenue WphGfar al
ster avenue to Gun Hill Road and through
Gun Hill Road to White Plains Road.
In connection with this the application
of the Interborough provides that it will
construct and operate a route as de
scribed, and then over Route Is. up
White Plains Road. which is already laid
out as a rapid transit route
Third-a two-track elevated route from
Macombs Dam Lane TO Centre avenue
bridge, over Centre avenue bridge and its
approach 10 162d street. and through 162d
avenue, on seth street. between Seth and
6oth streets. to Quensboro Bridge
Plan as to steinway Tube.
Fifth-An underground route from about
Vanderbilt Place and 42d street Manhat-
tan. under AID street and the East River
son avenue, and following the line of the
so-called Steinway tunnel
In a statement as to the purposes of
the hearing, Mr.. Wilcox then added:
The Stenway tunnel is probably that part
of the subject which will arouse most in
terest. The proposition of the Interborough
Is that the commission will lay out rapid
transit route extending from near Wander
bilt Place. under 42d street and the East
River. to a point near Jackson avenue. in
Long Island City, following the present line
of the Steinway tunnel: that the company
will turn the title of this over to the city
and then agree 10 operate it under the
terms OF contract No. l. which governs the
operation Of the present subway from City
Hall northward.
The city is to pay only the amount neCes-
sary 20 complete the tunnel ready-for OPP
Grafton. including a connection with the
Grand Central Station, which amount is
estimated not to exceed S1.jG0,O00. Even this
amount, Of course. will be amortized, as
we'll as interest paid by the company, the
same the company amortizes and pays
interest on the money invested by the city
in the present subway.
The company will then operate the tunnel
as an integral part of the present subway
system-that is. passengers will he allowed
TO transfer without additional fare between
the subway and the Steinway tunnel at 42d
street.
The company also agrees to operate
Second avenue elevated trains over the
greensboro Bridge to the Long Island
City bridge plaza without additional fare.