Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-10-27
TRACTION DEFICITS
DUE TO DEPRESSION
Despite Retrenchment in All De-
partments Business Con-
tinues Poor.

Presenting an array OF dataNon both
the street car lines in this city and
Suburban routes, Thomas w. Wilson.
president and general manager of
the Wilmington & Philadelphia Trac-
tion Co.. appeared before the Board
of Public Utility Compissioners last
night in response TO fhe request OF
the board to explain the monthly de-
ficits which the Traction Co. has sus-
tanned in the operation of the street
railway system, according to its
monthly reports 10 the board.
That the deficits shown In the re-
ports are due to the business depres-
sion was explained by Mr.. Wilson
The deficits resulted In n general
falling of in traffic of 25 per cent
which average has prevailed since
early in the year, he explained. A loss
OF approximately 40 per cent over
that of last year was sustained by the
company in its amusement park
trade.
The company. in an effort to re-
duce the deficit and in line with n
policy OF retrenchment, has made a
number Of curtailments in its operat-
ing expenses. Practically every Aepa-
rate department shows some curtaiI-
ment, with general saving ranging
from $4,000 TO $4,000. Despite these
reductions the Utility Board last night
felt that even a greater saving could
be shown. MIR. Wilson stated that n
greater saving would be shown for
the month of September than for the
month of August.
Commissioner John Foote. chairman,
| Informed the company officials that
the suburban routes were a burden
to the city and that IL any fare re-
duction was TO be considered ne would
he in favor of removing the suburban
lines therefrom. This followed sug.
gestion Of several of the commission.
ers that the company carry schoo
children undor Ia years Of age at tn,
rate. of two fares for Is cents.
conditions would be even worse 1
YOU should take off the suburban
lines" exclaimed Mr.. Wilson relativ,
to Commissioner Foote's suggestion.
It. p. Riley, superintendent of opera
ton. stated that the present situa
ton was hopeful. MIR. Riley expresse'
the view that the depression hr'
reached the bottom and that the gen
eral movement from now on would b
upward. in his opinion.
Mr.. Wilson informed the commits
, sioners that he was hopeful and opt
, mistic for the future. He expresse
the view that an adjustment of tn
! present steam railroad crisis woul
stabilize conditions.
Commissioner Foote asked Mr.. WI
son what disposition had been mad
4 of the old-time summer cars whic
|, have not been in use for several year
: The official explained that the MOI
adequate and safer type OF car ha
A been placed in use and that the sun
mer cars were being held for emel
d gency. =,
n In reply to a question as to u
relative earnings of the various line
o the traction officials informed the con
q n1issioners that three lines, Nsir
Sun. Edge Moor and South Harrisc
n street. have seldom been a payif
y proposition. According to figures su
- rnitted. IL was shown that the IA
per car hour on the Rising sun III
q was si.Ss: Edge Moor. Sl.45, al
Ie South Harrison street, sl.s2.
Relative to the operation OF q
,e two lines 10 New Castle. the one ov
Is East Fourth street, and the oth
ic over the South Market street orids
= 4 was explained by the company
n 6cials that the latter railway w
rs used only for freight service oetwe
10 this city and the suburban towns
Was pointed cut that the passene
T. distribution to and from this city W
AZ better served by bringing the soutne
et lines 20 Fourth and Market stree
Al which connects with practically eve
he other car route.
as The commissioners were lnlorn,
re- :, AZ the books Of the Traction
n we're open for inspection at all uin
IN Mr.. Foote assured the ofi1clais "a
OF ,he commission had no thought
nrobing into the eompany's anal
lg but had simply decided upon tne ee
Dn terence for a helpful discussion OF
be financial problems Of the company
ne a. the company made no reqa'
ID ~ the commission for aid, the mat
b. Il practically terminated me GO
b. u,is-ion gave the traction oi'iclA.s
q vote az thanks for their co-opet~9