Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-15

rlerS are required to file with the
Commission complete reports of all
accidents on the railroads, giving loca-
ton and causes, whether casualties
are injuries or fatal. These records
and maps are available to the other
departments of state, cities and coun-
ties, and to the general public, with
the exception of accident reports
which are confidential.
The ability to make a comprehen-
sive and accurate physical valuation
of property is the most important
function of any Utility Commission's
engineering staff in litigation for rate
determining purposes.
Signals For Safety.
The Signal division, part of the
Engineering department, is charged
with the security, safety and conven-
fence of the travelling public over rail
roads and highway crossings. All in
terlocking plants, automatic block
signal systems, automatic train con-
troll, highway crossing protection and
other such safety devices are subject
to expert supervision to assure that
the devices be maintained by the car
riers at their highest state of efficiency
to secure the maximum safety for
the public and carrier alike.
Railroad companies contemplating
installing interlocking, block signal
systems, and other such safety de-
c,1hr,oif r,lonc 70 tho
Commission for APPROVAL, which are
subject to expert attention as to their
| fitness.
In Minnesota there are 1873 author
lied interlocking plants in operation;
52007 miles of double main track
roadway, and 1889 miles of single
main track roadway equipped with
automatic block signal systems.
The Railroad companies on their
lines operating in this state are re-
quired to file with the Commission
monthly and quarterly inspection re-
ports of all interlocking systems.
Railroad Crossings.
Investigations are made on COM
plants of hazardous conditions and
requests for additional and relocation
of highway grade crossings. Many are
subject to hearings before the Com
mission, and orders are issued accord
ingly.
In this state there are 9,414 public
highway grade crossings; 392 are pro-
tected by approved signal systems and
gates, 81 by flagmen and 1890
stop. crossings.
The Clearance laws of the state,
adopted for the protection of railroad
employees and others are enforced by
this division, and, when directed, ii
also makes special investigation OF
accident and conditions on railroads
Plans for highway railroad grade
crossing separations such as under
passes and overhead bridges are sub
mitted to the Commission to be
passed on for approval and orders are
issued accordingly.
Bus and Truck Department.
This department has supervision
and regulation over all BUSES and
trucks operating within Minnesota
that are engaged in the transportation
of persons or property for hire.
Trucks and buses are divided into
two classifications:
First, those operating over a reg
ular route and between fixed termini
In this class there are 513 trucks
and 420 buses operating wholly with
in the state of Minnesota, and GOT
trucks operating through Minnesota
and into other states. Public liabil-
ity, property damage, cargo insurance
and bonds are required of these OPP
orators, and the rates to be charged
are prescribed by the Commission.
To Prove Convenience, Necessity.
The Commission is also empow-
cred to make rules and regulations
covering the operation of these buses
and trucks. They must prove that
their service is a convenience and
necessity before the Commission can
issue a certificate empowering them
to operate upon the highways of the
state.
Secondly, there are the trucks OPP
Grating as irregular route and COM
mon carriers.
During the year 1886, total of
1868 vehicles were registered in this
group, eighty per cent of which were
livestock haulers who haul freight
on return trips from the South ST.
Paul market.
Public liability and property dam
age insurance is required of these
operators, and rates for the trans
portation of freight and livestock are
prescribed by the Commission. Dis
tinguishing plates, are furnished by
the department to identify these
trucks.
Three inspectors check on all truck
operators in the state as to rates
charged, violation of rules and regu-
lations and complaints made to the
office concerning their operations.
Rate Department.
Rates and tariffs are of the most
complicated phases of transportation
/ All tariffs and rates To he CHARGED