The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-22
Railroads Must
 Meet Competition
Securities Owners Assn Head Says Roads Must Enter
 Highway Transportation

better transportation of both goods and persons when present legal re- strictions are removed and the steam carriers are permitted to be- come transportation companies rather than simply railroad com- panies.
 "The multitude of truck and bus companies now engaged in the carrying of goods and passengers are furnishing a rather haphazard type of service, widely varying 1T efficiency and responsibility. Ere. quently they give little attention tc safety factors. Many operate or schedule only when required 3! local public authority. The responsi- ble operators are harassed by the irresponsible who. cut rates ant otherwise bid for traffic.
 Carriers Set High Standards
 'There is, on the other hand something substantial and reliable about a railroad company, whicf the public accepts as a matter O. course. A reputation for honest! and fairness has been built III through long contact and at con siderable expense. The public knows that when a railroad doe' anything, whether it be to build bridge or a new station, lay a track or undertake any other work, the job will be done right.
 "The same standards would prevail in their operation of trucks and buses. The vehicles would pe of the best, the operators trained men, convenient terminals would be provided. Passengers and mer- chandise would receive the puctual and careful handling that can come only from men whose lives are de. voted to the business of transpor' tation.
 . "These operations, performed by the railroads, would be covered D, that security and financial respon' sibility for which the roads have long been known. Shipments foi short distances, or for rtans-con' tinental movement could be ac' cepted on one billing, with assur' ance of prompt and responsible handling. Itineraries could be ar ranged providing for the use ot trains, buses, planes: and one couli begin a journey with a feeling tha service and equipment would be o! high standard throughout"
 Restrictions Hamper Roads
 Being closely regulated both as tc rates charged and service render ed, the railroads outside of New England have been seriously handi capped in their attempts to mee bus and truck competition. Mi Harrison states. A few of the roads have made efforts to meet the situ ation by installing their own truck' and buses, but this has not provet entirely successful due to hamper ing legal restrictions. he says.
 'They are not permitted, fo! example, to operate motor vehicles in connection with their rail serv ice. In most states they canno quote through rates over train truck or train-bus routes. but mus keep the two services separate They can operate motor vehicle, only through subsidiary compan' ies, with separate and distinci groups of employees. All of thi' makes for unsatisfactory results and as a consequence motor ve hicle operations by railroad com panies outside of New England have not been especially success full.
 ''The vision and foresight showr by New England railroad systems in placing buses and trucks on thu highways is thus hampered il many states by restrictive laws. l. these states, where vast sums O New England capital are invested in rail securities, the carriers arr not permitted to own or operat, motor vehicles on the highways built in part at least. with mone. paid by the railroads themselves in taxes"