Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-06-08
JITNEY TAX AND
BOND CONSIDERED
Commissioners Spend Morning in
Wrestling with Problem Of What
Jitney Buses Must Do.
TO MAKE UP LOST REVENUE

Bond and occupation tax require
ments in connection with the regula-
ton of jitney buses were the serious
features encountered by the city COM
missioners during their consideration
OF 2 tentative ordinance submitted
by City Solicitor Fleharty at a meet
ing OF the council committee of the
whole.
That some basis may be provided.
Mayor Dahiman suggested that the bond
requirement be fixed at $500 for the
first passenger and 1900 per passenger
thereafter, tha effect OF this being that
under this plan a four-passenger Jitney
would b covered by bond OF 5000. Dis
QUESTION will be resumed next Monday
morning.
Tax Per Seat.
An occupation tax OF geo per year for
the first four revenue-bearing seats and
3 for each seat above five was adopted
subject TO change. The commissioners
admitted they are up In the air. regard
Ing reasonable bond requirements and
occupation taxes
1t was stated by jitney representatives
that the proposed bond and tax require
nents are excessive. Bond men win bo
invited 20 appear before the council next
week and give information regarding
bonding OF jitneys. At present there are
no established bond rates for this bust
ness. but II IL believed that when the city
shall have established regulation the
hazard win be reduced and bond rates
may b quoted with uniformity and
within the means Of jitnsy men.
Dond for Each Jitnsx.
The cclnnalanioners were told that one
bond man asksd 30 for a jitney bond OF
800. The commissioners are inclined 20
require . separate bond for each jitney.
rather than to ACCEPT one bond from any
company which might operate a string
Of cars.
II Is proposed 70 assess an annual
license tee Of q for each titney. as well
as a permit Zee for each driver. The
commissioners want 10 fix the occupa-
ton tax at an amount which Will ap-
proximate the present loss to the city by
reason OF reduced revenue OF the street
car company. upon which revenue the
city receives an occupation tax of per
cent yean
Up to ohisf % Rolfss.
The jltney ordinance now under oon-
sideratton places the responsibility OF en-
forcement In the department Of the su-
perintendent Of police. who win have au-
thority TO approve or disapproye routes
over which the applicants shall travel. II
10 proposed to require that jltney men
follow routes specified In their appuoa.
tons. which also shall show their schsd.
uies OF fares. Permanent signs are to be
placed on jitnoys. showing routes tray.
eled and fares charged.
Another proposition Is to allow a max.
imum charge OF IS cents between mid.
night and s a. m. requiring that regular
routes be maintained
/ stop on Near siae.
Other regulations relate 10 competency
OF drivers, inspection OF cars. lights aftel
twilight. stopping on near side, Of inter.
sections. penalties for violations ant
minor details.
Commissioner Humnel asked what as
snrance there would be that Farnan
street would not be congested with ~
neys and the city solicitor explained tina
the superintendent Of poIice would hav,
full authority 20 regulate and reauir'
|, iitney men to cover the long as well Al
the short hauls.