The Washington times., 1915-05-06
COMMERCE CHAMBER
URGES J|TNEY RULES
Body To Be Called Upon Tues
day to Adopt Resolution to
Commissioners.

The Chamber Of Commerce at gen.
eral meeting Tuesday evening VIII pe
called upon to adopt a resolution. re-
questing the District Commissioners 70
adopt regulations for the control OF the
jitney bus. At meeting Of the direc-
tors of the Chamber last night. report
from the transportation and freight
rates committed, presented by IL. Z.
Graham, was referred to the Champer
as a body with a recommendation that
It be adopted and presented personally
to the Commissioners by the commit
tee.
In addition to asking for proper regu-
lations for this form Of transportation
the resolution embodles a provision for
a surety bond, stating. that owing to
the possible financial irresponsibiiity OF
individual owners Of this type OF We
hicle that they be required to file with
the proper authorities sufficient surety
bonds, in order that the public may
have some recourse In case of acci-
dents"
Important Question.
In presenting the committee report
Mr.. Graham declared that the question
Of the Introduction Of the Jitney bus
and its regulation is one Of the most
important that has been before the peo-
pie OF Washington for many years
That regulation Is necessary, he added.
Is evident from the experiences which
other cities have had with the bus. In
some cities, where no regulation mas
been provided. the jitneys. the speaker
said. have become a nuisance.
He recited the case OF San Francisco
where he said the business thorough
fares in congested sections were SC
overrun with the buses that individuals
driving cars for personal convenience
or pleasure would not frequent those
streets. In several other cities. Mr.
Graham said. the buses have been
largely operated by individuals who,
being temporarily out Of employment
were seeking to earn few dollars
and. as a consequence of their financial
condition, were thoroughly irresponsi-
bic.
Mr.. Graham. however. urged that the
iitney bus be given far opportunity
to demonstrate its usefulness, remark
ing that It may be the inauguration OF
a new form Of transportation that viii!
with their rails and iron wheels. which,
he asserted, frequently constitute a
nuisance on residence streets.
Wear On Streets.
oliver Metzerott spoke Of the heavy
wear ana ttdT Oil StiStls' IL IL hulhpSi
OF iitney buses were introduced. and
added that he did not think that Wash
ington would derive any advantage from
the scent buses which might be oper-
ated ON streets now having established
railway lines, but might find them a
benefit in sections which have no sucf
facilities, and in the suburban districts
D. J. Callahan. having presented a,
the request of the board itineraries fol-
q proposed >Chamber outing, President
Moran appointed Mr. Graham. Mr.. Cal
lahan, and Isaac Cans committee tc
report to the Chamber Tuesday evening
on the advisability OF a trip over Decor
alton Day holiday. and the route to be
taken. Mr.. Callahan proposed trips by
water to New York or Old Point Com.
tort,
A cpmmittee of four. composed OF
President Moran, A. Leftwich Sinclair
A. Il. Clark, jr.. and Oliver MetZerott
was named to escort the delegation Of
Chinese merchants which will visit
Wa shington some time the latter part
of the month.
The jitney bus cannot be operated II
II Is stringently regulated
This opinion is given by Conrad n
Syme, general counsel. In a report filed
with the Public Utilities Commission OF
his observations Of the t.tney bus situa.
tion IN Los Angeles, San Francisco
New Orleans and Kansas City.
ANY considerable amount Of dead
mileage or any considerable item added