New-York tribune., 1918-06-12
Says Inquiry Shows
Surface eLi11es Must
Cut Night Service
Railway Director Declares
State Forces Operation in
Conflict With u. S.

John Gambler Cobb, of Boston, 3 di-
rector of the New York Railways Com
parry, which operates most of the sur
face car lines, who recently suggested
that all-night transportation in this
city might have to be discontinued as a
war measure and to save the financial
status of the traction companies, said
yesterday that his investigation of .he
situation so far clearly indicated this
nlutt be done. Mr.. Cobb was appointed
BY the board of directors of the New
York Railways Company to investigate
WI at service can and should be given to
the public under present conditions.
Mr Cobb suggested that the service
be discontinued between the hours of
10 p. m. and a. M, but he says now
that this time may be somewhat short
ened, but by not more than an hour.
In giving his reasons for the shut
down of the night service, he says:
"1he national government has
adopted q clearly defined policy in re-
sa1G to the conduct of business and
treatment Of public service corpora
tions. and, beginning months ago, def
r.tely and repeatedly advised the
states and municipalities to adopt the
same policy. In so far as it relates TO
traction companies this policy may be
stated as being curtallment of SER
vice. fair treatment of employees IN re-
gard to wages and increase of fares.
"Thc question of the treatment of the
traction situation in all it's bearings,
and specifically the traction situation
in New York City, was fully and
clearly before the Governor and Lcgis~
lature at it's recent session, with full
knowledge Of the national policies, and
after careful consideration the Gov
ernor and Legislature decided not to
adopt the national policy and to run
New York out of harmony with the ma
tional government. This practically
settled the fact that fares will not be
to the managers of the traction COM
panies the almost impossible problems
of fair treatment to their men and
handling of their finances under con-
ditions radically at variance with the
national policy and that Of other COM
munities like Massachusetts, where the
Legislature completely adopted the ma
tional policy"
In indicating the most important re-
suits Of such shutdown, Mr.. Cobb
said the day service would be much
.hPtoEeu W tHe SledC advantage oI IIe
Woodworking, homegoing members of
the community, as the night employees
could be used on the day service; that
the direct and indirect saving of coal
would amount to approximately two
million tons a year; that the theatres
and other desirable forms of entertain
ment, by beginning somewhat earlier,
could provide amply for the amuse-
ment necessary for the community un-
der war conditions, especially if the
hour for shutting down could be made
1o:3O; and that thousands of night
workers in the restaurants, hotels and
the "Great White Way" would be re-
leased for much needed service in
other hours.
He said the produce men who pro-
vide the next days food for the city,
and few other essential night indus
tries, not large but important, will be
interfered with. but could be reason
ably cared for by limited bus service.
The industrial plants doing night work
would suffer inconvenience. but could
largely adjust their shift hours to
transportation facilities, while in some
instances they probably would have to
provide for their employees.