The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1913-05-08
AVOIDING DISPUTES.
New Regulations to Eliminate Trou.
bic With Passengers.

One of the most perplexing diff
eulties that public service official
has to deal with is the continually
arising dispute or misunderstanding
between the patrons OF corpora
ton and its representatives. In a
large number of cases, the patron
who makes kick has just provo
cation for doing so, but the EN-
ployee is generally equally right In
the stand he takes. He must, how
ever, as he is indirectly servant OF
the public, accept the wrath and
sometimes abuse of the patron with
the best grace possible and at the
same time uphold the rules and regu
lations of the company employing
him.
In the operation Of trolley sys-
tenn it is necessary that strict rules
and regulations shall be observed
by the employees, and that in order
to make the system as safe as pos.
sible, these rules shall be Uniform
with heavy penalties for non-com-
pliance. The officials OF the com
pany who make such rules do SC
largely from the experience and
tudy acquired from years of ser
vice. In some cases it has been
found that certain rules are unnec-
,ssary or even obnoxious. but as a
general proposition this is far from
true.
The development of trolley lines
brought about many new economic
problems, some of which took years
to solve while others are yet IN the
experimental stage. One lesson that
officials of trolley companies have
cessful and satisfactory operation OF
a trolley line or system depends a.
much upon the cooperation OF the
public as upon the skill or knowl-
edge that is required in the manage
ment of the property Rules are
made to be enforced and it is in as
sisting in the enforcement of them
that the public cooperation IL
sought. A greatly improved trolley
service would be the inevitable re-
suit of such cooperation
The safety of a passenger Is the
first consideration of trolley com
pany, and with this idea in view the
New York, New Haven and Hartford
Railroad Company has just issued
revised rules and regulations fol
the government, guidance and inior.
nation OF the employees of the trol
ley lines owned and operated by II
in which the safety first rule Is re
peatedly emphasized Several pages
OF the book OF rules are devoted tt
this subject, and the~yarious regula
tions are devised to prevent acci
dents of all kinds. The importance
OF exercising constant care TO pre-
vent injuries, and in all cases d
doubt to take the safe course, Il
impressed upon the employees above
all other considerations.
Two other rules and regulations
upon which great stress h laid arr
politeness and the personal habit
and appearance OF the employees
Conductors an motormen are ordere
to treat all passengers with polite
ness. to avoid difficulty and Il
exercise patience. forbearance ant
self-eontiol under all conditions
They must not make threatening gei
lures, or use loud. unciyil or pro
zane language, even under the great
est proyocation, Their uniform
must be kept clean and neat In ap
pearance. They are prohibited fron
drinking intoxicating liquors Will
on duty or 10 excess at any time
There are several other minor rule
regarding personal habits. and liz
noranee OF these rules Is not &c
cepted as an excuse for non-com
pliance with them In fact. eaei
employee Is required TO sign
statement 10 the effect that b.
has read the rules and regulation
aud that he agrees 10 abide by III
same and To submit 10 the pensiiie
prescribed for their violation. I'm
ployeea are considered In line 70
promotion according 20 their faith
fun discharge OF duties assigned. 40
any violation Of rules j. deemed sui
ficieni cause for suspension or dis
missal