The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-08-31
TIE RAISE IN FARE.

TIE RAISE IN FARE.
During the recent electric railway investiga-
ton under the federal commission, at the hearings
or which more than a hundred associations
represented, number of facts brought to
light, which make 1t apparent that almost without
exception. the street railway companies operat
ing under great difficulties the present time.
Pensacola is said to face the ultimatum of
granting increase to the Pensacola Electric COM
pany being compelled to dispense with the ser
vices of the traction company But, according to
the present charter and the present franchise of
the Pensacola Electric company, the public utili-
ties clause, which embodied in that charter
makes 1t impossible for any ordinance to be passed
against the will of the people, the clause specfi
cally states that il within thirty days after the
passage of such ordinance twenty per cent OF
the qualified sign petition and present same
to the commissioners vote may be taken to de-
termne the question of raising OF fares other
matter which come in regard to the fran
chise.
1t seems clear from the federal investigation.
that the Pensacola Electric company. with other
companies in the United States, has reached the
place where it rough shedding. An increased fare
to be necessary.
Journal does not believe that the people
In Pensacola unreasonable. 1t is plain that the
Pensacola Electric company has done part to-
this citys development. 1t Is also plain that
the rolling stock has been in bad shape for many
years and that the public has not been served in
the convenient effective way
But of these facts make 1t any easier
get down to a working basis What needed
IL for some method to be evolved here elsewhere
that will work a hardship the public
loss on the Pensacola Electric company which is
business, just like any other business which
the public.
said Cleveland plan OF operation.
which has been used point the inadvisability
of increased fare made possible because
OF low valuation steadily improving property.
and franchise exemptions which relieve
pany of the payment of all taxes and levies for
bridges and street pavement. Attention has been
called to the fact that here in Pensacola the Eec-
trio company paid for six miles of paving and
81 exempt from taxation
The problems affecting the electric company
ARE in line with problems which affecting many
other business houses. The thing for the people OF
Pensacola and the electric company to do is to
adjust this problem the possible way for all
concerned some weeks a meeting called
at the Chamber OF Commerce rooms at which there
We're representatives from number OF local
ganizations. 1t understood at that time that
an investigation would be made that the PEN
sacola Electric company this committee, CO.
operating would make Recommendations
bearing on the matter OF raising.
Without adequate electric railway service the
social and industrial life of the city might be
riously effected. The continuance of operation
sound and efficient basis is of great impor-
lance Those who critcise should sure first of
their facts.
It seems very clear that some change must be
made if the public is be efficiently served in any
commensurate with the need. And it is equal
" true that the Pensacola Electric company is
within ITS right in asking for increased fare.
But il would The Journal that such
an increase should be made mileage. A present
o. five-cent fare in Pensacola does not cover the
same distance that five-cent fare covers i'm most
cities. And If there is to be increase all lines
commensurate with the increase made on city lines
the burden viii be heavy the travelling public
The commission which with the Chamber
Of Commerce was appointed to look into these
things. and The Journal would suggest that this
committee meet and report Its findings There is
no apparent intention in Pensacola refuse
reasonable raise in fare. The only question seems
10 be to what amount may be considered reason
able and how it is to be pro-rated for the
lines.