Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-12-17

Rates Raised by Washington
Utility Company From
Alexandria.
TICKETS WITHDRAWN.
Communication Tickets Between Alex
andria and Suburban Points Taken
off-Fares Higher as Consequence.
TICKETS WITHDRAWN

The first effect of the merger Of
the Washington-Virginia Railway
Company into the great Washington
Utilities Co., with its proposed capi
tai of $5O,OOO,OOO, was felt in Alex
andria Saturday when the railroad
company took off sale some of its
company took off sales one of its
most popular reduced tickets, thus
increasing the toll which large mum.
Der of people using their lines will
be compelled to pay by at least ter
per cent. and in some cases more thar
100 per cent.
The new rates went into effect or
December 18th, but it was not until
yesterday morning that the matter
was brought to the attention of the
travelling public and not until today
did general knowledge Of the bur-
dens imposed on the community be-
come public.
The following are some of the most
important things done by the railway
company:
All commu'tation tickets between
Alexandria and Four Mile Run with
drawn. These tickets formerly sold
at rates ranging from $1.50 for 50
trips between Alexandria and Rose
mont to S1.S7 between Alexandria and
Del Ray. Now passengers will re-
quired to pay five cents straight fare
between all of these points, making
the rate for So fares between Alex
an6ria and Rosemont $50, an in
crease of over 100 per cent.
Withdrawal of the popular eight
trip ticket. between Alexandria and
Washington which formally sold for
90 cents. In future eight trips will
cost s1.2O or if round trip tickets,
which are only good for five days, are
purchased, the cost will be $1.0o.
Withdrawal of the 25 trip ticket
between Alexandria and Washington
which sold for $3.50. In place of
this the, company, will sell 25 trip
ticket good for the members of the
family, not to exceed seven persons
for S2.75.
Change in conditions on other su-
burban tickets which are to the detri-
ment of Alexandria.
The only new ticket placed on sale
is monthly school ticket for children
under 1S years, at $3.50 and this ac-
ton was forced on the company by the
Interstate Commerce Commission.
The action of the company came as
a complete surprise not only to the
patrons of the road but to the busi-
ness men and city officials of Alex
andria who have supported the COM
pany in it's various operations in the
belief that the men who were be-
hind the merger were actuated, at
least, by the principles of business
honesty. if not by those of generosity
to a community which had met theil
demands with liberality that has
been remarkable.
The Washington-Virginia Company
only recently was before Council ask
ing for certain concessions which were
granted by men who had confidence
in the company and belief in the in
tegrity Of it's motives. Many of these
man have suffered criticism because
they acceded to the request of the big
corporation and they were willing tt
stand criticism, if, in their opinion
the interests of the community wa;
subserved.
But now, having secured the pass
age of the ordinances in their behalf
believing that the city government Of
Alexandria is unable to take any ac
ton detrimental to their interests ant
laughing to scorn the protests of th'
public, the first action of the big cor
portation is to cut off certain tickets
which the public have enjoyed TO,
years. thus increasing the fares by a
least ten per cent and in some case
| r,,ora than Inn na1- cont
Again Alexandria is the easy mark
but before the final reckoning is mad
it is the firm conviction of men, VIII
are familiar with the situation, tina
the financiers who have put this ad
ditional and outra geous burden upol
| fr- fContinned on napa Two1 ss..