Norwich bulletin., 1915-08-30
ZONE" SYSTEM
IN TROLLEY FARES
To Be Established by Shore Line On
Saybrook Division.

In, letter by President Robert W.
Perkins announcement is made that
the copper zone system Of trolley
fares is to so into effect on wsdnes-
day, Sept 1. on the Shore Line Electric
railway between New London and
New Haven. which is an entirely new
readjustment of the trolley fares now
prevailing on that section Of the road
President Perkins is further quoted
as saying that in two or three months,
probably. the copper zone" system
would be adapted to the local section
of the Shore Line electrics-
The new system is not new in some
parts OF the west but the Shore Line is
among the first to take IL up in New
England. Mr.. Perkins has perfected a
destination slip or ticket which has
way man to be one of the most in
genious and original he had ever seen
and on the advice OF that official Mr..
Perkins has taken steps to have il
patented 1t will be used on the Shore
Line roads.
The letter by President Perkins is as
follows:
On Wednesday, Sept. I, 1915. the
Shore Line Electric Railway company
will put into effect, on its lines be-
tween New Haven and New London.
what is known as the mileage or cop
per zone system The road will be di-
vided into fare zones of a little in ex-
cess of one mile each, and a rate OF
practically one and eight-tenths cents
per mile collected in pnits of two cents
for aech zone
There will be a minimum charge of
five cents for any ride. and the mile
age system to be adopted will giYe,
for six cents a ride in three zones, for
eight cents a ride in four zones, and
so on Only one collection will be
tire distance travelled In order to
avoid the use Of pennies, and for the
convenience Of our patrons, ticket
books will be sold at the fat rate
The mileage syseem is in common
use through the west, and its advan-
universally conceded An advance of
rate from five to six cents. with the
present zone system, would increase
the cost of every person using the
cars. while the mileage system pro-
tects the short rider. especially the
five cent zones but makes use of but
part Of the ride to which he Is en-
titled To such the new system will
prove to be a reduction in fare
A large number of the street rail-
ways in New England have advanced
rates by adopting a unit Of six cents
for each zone. leaving the zones un-
changed; others are now contemplate
ing the adoption Of the mileage basis,
and while there may be differences Of
opinion as to the manner OF increasing
gross revenue, the need is everywhere
conceded
When the rate from Stony Creek
to Deep River was established II was
for through service, figured at one and
eight tenths cents per mile, and for
short rides considerably below this.
The rate from Madison to New Haven
oefah1fahaA AZ fxro ferfha
cents per mile One and two tenths
cents per mile Is found to be far be-
low the cost OF production. and the
management has reluctantly come to
the conclusion tht an increase in
passenger fares Is absolutely neces-
sary.
The rate of one and eight tenths
cents per mile will, 1T Is hoped, pro-
duce sufficient revenue to provide for
the proper maintenance OF the prop
erty, pay taxes and interest on bonds
and enable the company to render
to the public safe reliable and eff
cent service.
The Shore Line Electric Railway
Co., Saybrook division. Is operating at
a loss. and has each year since II was
opened Without figuring any return
to the stockholders that loss to June,
90, 1915. Is $Z55,e23-9s. and the New
London and East Lyme division but
little more than cares for actual op-
Grating costs, exclusive Of taxes and
interest on bonds.
The property is each year more ex-
pensive to operate because of the in
creased peed Of repairs, requirements
and the increased cost Of labor. and.
'cient service, added income must be
provided,
we trust that the public will appre-
ctate the fact that this change IL made