The Washington times., 1934-07-21
A Utility Program
Action By The Commission

OSAAASy AV0A SSAA
Action By The Commission
The Public Utilities Commission despite the severe
Cut made in its appropriation by the last session of Con-
gress is showing commendable burst of energy which
should rebound to the benefit Of patrons of the local
utilities.
THE SHORT -SIGHTEDNESS OF CONGRESS IN
LETTING THE PERSONAL PREJUDICES OF ONE
MEMBER INDUCE IT TO PUT THE COMMISSION
ON A STARVATION APPROPRIATION BECOMES
LAUNCHES ATTEMPT AFTER ATTEMPT TO PRO
VIDE BETTER AND CHEAPER SERVICE BY THE
UTILITY COMPANIES.
It would not have been unnatural if the Commission
dsgrunted at the treatment accorded it by Congress-
had lost its energy and become contented simply with
letting the utility situation drift
Instead of that however the Commission with the in
teress of citizens at heart is strengthening its att
tude and with severely crippled staff has issued orders
which may mean millions of dollars to the utility con-
sumers of the city.
It is of particular interest that the Commission pro-
poses to 60 to the bottom of the street fare situation
coupling up rate investigation with the very apparently
needed rerouting study.
THE RESULTS OF THE PASS SYSTEM IN
STALLED SOME MONTHS AGO BY THE CAPITAL
TRANSIT COMPANY CERTAINLY WARRANT In
INQUIRY INTO THE DESIRABILITY OF GEN
ERAL REDUCTION IN STREET CAR FARES
For many years the street companies went along
the theory that increased fares meant increased
That theory has been pretty thoroughly discredited
The companies went deeper and deeper into the fnan
cial mire until the pass system, which suggested
years ago by The Washington Times, was adopted
AS result of the pass system the revenues of the
unified transit system have increased and the
pany is establishing good will among its riders.
The hope recently expressed by member of the
Commission that the fare might eventually be reduced
to the prewar figure of five cents is shared ardenty
by the community.
The Commission is striving aggressively to make effec
tive its order reducing telephone rates That order has
been upheld by the District Supreme Court.
It is to be hoped that the Commission induce the
telephone company to accept the decision OF that court
and make the reduced rate effective with the return of
nearly million dollars which has accumulated to the
credit Of telephone users.
In addition to fighting out the rate the Comms
sion is taking steps to clear up the long conrovered
method used by the telephone company in regard to its
reserve for depreciation The settlement of this
troversy would undoubtedly further reduction
in telephone rates eventually
The inquiry which the Commission has ordered into
certain phases of the valuation Of the Potomac Electric
Power Company likewise is in the interest of the
suer The investigation will determine if the company
is using in its valuation for rate making purposes prop
ery which is not used useful in the public service
On the whole the program of the Commission is one
which commands the respect and cooperation Of the
community
ADOPTED AS IT HAS BEEN AFTER THE COM
MISSION HAD BEEN REBUFFED AND INSULTED
ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE, IT IS AN EN-
COURAGING INDICATION THAT THE COMMISSION
INTENDS TO STAND BY ITS GUNS AND FIGHT FOR
THE INTERESTS OF DISTRICT UTILITY PATRONS.
Lawful Enforcement