The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-06-24
Topeka Street Car Patrons VIII
Have To Pay 6 Cents.
P. q. C. Ruling ON Application
Made Public This Afternoon.
FRANCHISE IS NOT BINDING
State Body Upholds Chief Con-
tentions of Local Company.
Urge Graduate ScaIe-2O Ride
Book S1.O5.

The Topeka Street Railway COM
pany was this afternoon given a g.
cent fare by the state public utilities
commission. 1t Is required to meet.
nine of the fourteen points in Mayor
Corwine's program for improvements,
The company must also set aside S50.-
900 to provide a depreciation reserve.
Suggestion is made that the company
study the graduated scale plan for six
months and make later application for
a or cent commercial cash fare
with a coupon book plan of twenty.
rides for $1.05, books to be used dur
ing the current month.
In its order this afternoon the state
commission sustained practically ev-.
cry contention of the Street Railway
company. 1t held that the public util-
tiles act Of 1911 gave the commission
power to overrule franchise agree
ments entered into prior to that date.
On this theory the scent Topeka Oak
land franchise is neither binding nor
effective when showing is made that
the contract rate is non-compensatory
and impairs service. Utilities operat-
ing in one city may come before the
commission on appeal 1t fs held.
Held Earnings Not Sufficient.
There is no evidence, the commits
sion holds, to show that the present or
I
an unreasonable return on its invest
ment. The commission also holds that
there is no prospect at this time that
conditions will be bettered. -
While the company has not set aside
a sufficient amount for maintenance
and equipment, earnings were not held
to be sufficient under assessed valua-
tion reports.
No Improvement Funds.
Figures as to earnings. of the COM
pany for the last two years were held
by the commission to show that there
was not sufficient revenue to provide
for maintenance, depreciation, good
The commission found that gross reve-
nues increased $7.439.22 during jan
! uary, February. March and April of
! this year as compared with 1913. Yet
operating expenses jumped s2s,4ss,4s
in the same period This was a de-
crease in net revenues for four months
of 1,060.77. Accountants for the
commission found there were not suf-
| ficient funds for needed betterments.
Increased cost OF current meant
! $15.0 a year to the company. it was
/ held, while wage increases amounted
! to another $4,000. 1t is estimated in
. the order that an additional revenue
of $4,000 year is necessary in or
der to provide for necessary better
! ments and s per cent return to the
| The automobile has destroyed much
of the business which the company
should receive. the decision recites.
Nine of Fourteen Points Upheld.
In allowing for a scent flat rate for
| the Topeka Oakland service. the COM
mission demands that the company set
aside $50, 200 a year for depreciation
reserve to replace and retire property
when necessary to insure proper serv-
| Ice. The company must also adhere
! to nine of the fourteen points in Mayor
/ Corwine's demand for betterments.
4 These betterments include,
Improved crossings at Eighth and
Z Ninth streets and Kansas avenue.
| Keep tracks in repair especially. on
1 West Sixth, West Eighth, West
Fourth, and Clay street between
| Tenth and Twelfth and in Oakland.
More cars. Better service. Extra
| busy hour service.
Remove flat wheel cars. Examina-
ton all equipment.
/ Tenders to be kept in good condi-
ton.
Safety zones permanently marked
Not less than fifteen minute service
on any line.
I Wire screens on left hand side cars
/ Cars kept in clean and sanitary con-
! ditions.
If necessary the company must en-
ploy a greater working force to carry
out these orders.
To Study Graduate Scale.
The commission suggests to the
company that it make a six months
study and investigation of the gradu-
ated fare and come before the COM
mission next fall with a new applica-
ton. 1t is suggested that such a re-
quest call for a 7-cent or even an g.
cent cash fare for TIE patron who
rides street cars only occasionally OF
in bad weather.
For the person who is unable tc
own a motor car and rides as a matter
of convenience and necessity. the com
n Continued Page FOnr.l
4 AAn~ d n s.., 1.a., .,.-a