New Britain herald., 1930-01-10
BUS TERMINAL DID

That complications, legal ana otherwise, would cnsuc whenever an attempt were made 10 provide I bus terminal anywhere but at or near Central park was self-evident. The plan for such a terminal at or near Main and East Main street is d matter that needs more consideration from the stand point of public convenience To many bus users it would be a serious change to be compelled to walk from that point to the Center, in the case of such lines from the northern suburbs which might not be routed further downtown than the terminal. The question of charging rental to the bus operators likewise provides a difficulty in the way of increased operating expenses; and the pos sible refusal of the Connecticut com pany to be swerved from it's use of the territory around Central park. relying upon its state franchise, is another difficulty Of no small mo- ment. Lastly, in the case of the Connecticut company, all its bus lines would have to maintain con- tact with the trolley terminal in or from bus to trolley or vice versa. a problem that would not need to be solved in the case of independent buses.
 The City Plan Commission wisely stays it's hand until it hears from the corporation counsel regarding the legal difficulties; but the latter are only part of the difficulties. The con- venience of the public is also of mo- ideally situated. at or near the Cen ter; any other arrangement would be one sided 10 a large proportion of patrons.
 It is true. of course, that other sections of the business community besides that lying near the Center should be better served with pub, lie transportation than is the case at present. That section of Main street | north Of the tracks, to East Main and beyond, is not well served; neither is the section of Main street | to Franklin square. Of course, it may | be countered that the public canno I expect every part of the downtown section 10 be criss- crossed by trolley or bus lines, but In this city there are 1 many who believe they are unduly | concentrated at the Center. It would l be just as much of an evil, however ! to have the bus lines all conctntrat- ed in any other section. The friends of diverse terminals have a strong case, only in the case Of the Con. necticut company, which receives | fare of s 3-4 cents a ride because 0 l the free transfer privilege, the con | ccntration Of it's terminal is Quit' necessary.
 Another point that is brought for
 ward in the discussion has to d'
 with state control of local trans portation matters. All the companie
 are said to be prepared to appeal l. the Public Utilities Commission
 they are subjected 10 inconviences o
 expense by City Hall. Unfottunatel
 the law is such that in matters a
 purely local concern, sucn as tn
 routing and regulation of tranSpOt
 tation facilities. the city virtual
 has nothing to say if the companie
 insist upon being guided only by tn
 rulings of the P. |. C. If it shout
 come to q point where the Plannln
 Commission and City Hall general
 desired one thing regarding trans
 portation. and the P. |. C. desire
 another, the latter would possess th
 trump card. Of the justice of sue
 law regarding local tr&nsportatlo
 matters We have plemtudc
 doubt.