Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-10-09
THE TRANSIT EMERGENCY

MEMBERs of Council should keep in
AVA mind during their special session today
that they are not asked to reach any decision
on permanent transit policy.
The p. II. Il. Is confronted by an emer-
| gency. II has asked for n straight five cent
fare and the abolition of all transfers and
exchange tickets until such time as def
! mite agreement can be reached on n perma-
ncnt policy.
Such an agreement cannot be reached
| until the status Of the contracts with the
underlying companies is settled The Public
Service Commission has been asked to re-
view those contracts. but its jurisdiction Ia
disputed. The courts are now considering
the point
In the meantime. City Solicitor Smyth has
advised the City Council that it has no
power definitely to fix the rate OF fare, and
that any decision which II may reach will be
regarded merely as advisory by the Public
Service Commission, in which the final
power over fares rests. =
The significance Of this legal opinion lies
in its virtual admission that the law Great
ing the Public Service Commission invali-
dated that part Of the contract between the
city and the p. r. T. under which It 10
provided that there shall be no change in the
rates OF fare without the consent of the city.
public body powers which enable it to over
ride the specific terms Of a contract between
public service corporation and the city,
what becomes of the contention that there
is no power anywhere in the state which can
bring the contracts between two public serv-
ice corporations under review for the pur-
pose of deciding on their equity and sound
public policy?
The whole transit situation hinges on the
underlying contracts. No way out can be
found until we know what the courts have
to say about them or until they shall be
readjusted by compromise on fair basis.
As to Councilman Develin's propositions,
they are made In response to the request of
the Public Service Commission for an alter
native suggestion. Mr.. Mitten asks for a
straight five-cent fare and no transfer or
exchange privileges. Mr.. Devein proposes
a straight six cent fare and free transfers
at all points where exchanges or transfers
are now issued.
six cent fare would reduce the number
of short riders from whom Mr.. Mitten has
derived large and profitable revenue. It Is
doubtful whether it would produce much
more than n straight five-cent fare It's
suggestion at this time may only complicate
an issue which is in need of clarfcation.
MIR. Develin is undoubtedly right, however,
when he argues in favor of free transfers
as necessary If the city's high speed lines are
20 be made to pay. But the high speed lines
remain to be built. 1t is not likely that they
will be built until the dispute about the un-
dcrlying contracts is settled.
Whatever Council may do this afternoon.
the Public Service Commission will have the
final say. We are dependent on its fair
mindcdness and on its understanding Of all
the ramifcations of most complicated
question. But If it acts on the theory that
it is merely meeting n temporary emergency
its decision. whatever it may be, will be
accepted with such philosophy as the citizens
can muster while they are struggling to find
the way out Of II hard situation.