Evening star., 1938-01-14
SLASH IN NUMBER
OF TAX|CABS HERE.
URGED BY ELGEN
Problem Called Most Serious
Faced in Traffic
Congestion.
RANDOLPH ADVOCATES
LONG.RANGE STUDIES
Points to Likelihood Of Population
of 100000 Within
so Years.

AIl1lllUdOlOll vi U1lC 1lulllOCl VI CdAl.
cabs in Washington was advocated
today by Riley E. Elgen, chairman
Of the Public Utilities Commission,
during the second days hearing be-
fore the Public Utilities Subcommit-
tee Of the House District Committee
in connection with its investigation
Of the transit situation
Mr.. Elgen characterized the excess
sive number of cabs here as "the most
serious problem with which we have
to deal in connection with relieving
traffic congestion during rush hours"
Mr.. Elgen pointed out there are pro-
portionately more than twice as many
taxicabs in Washington as in Phila-
delphia, Chicago and Pittsburgh COM
bined. He said he did not advocate
immediate ordering Of large numbers
of cabs off the streets, but thought
they should be reduced in numbers
with view to bringing about more
normal distribution of transportation
equipment here"
He told the subcommittee he believes
Washington eventually will have sub
way system and that studies should be
undertaken at once for future trans
portation needs
Representative Randolph. Democrat,
Of West Virginia, subcommittee chair
man, expressed the view that within
SO years Washington will have popu-
lation of 100000 and said elaborate
studies must be made of transportation
needs with that increase in mind"
Mr.. Elgen said the question of sub
ways here involves problems not found
in other cities Washington has a
peak load to certain sections, such as
Potomac Park and along Constitution
avenue, with light traffic during the
day and at night. Subway transpor-
tation to such areas would be "vir-
tually dead loss" except during peak
hours, he said. He expressed the be-
lief that eventually there will be trunk
subway lines. especially along Four
teenth street NV.
1t will be impossible to spread out a
subway system to handle all the needs
Of the District, and there can be no
hope of ever getting away from the
need for surface transportation, Mr..
Elgen said.
The Public Utilities Commission
head testified that Washington en-
joys the second lowest average street
car fare among cities of comparable
size in the United States. He said
Rochester, N. Y, is the lowest, with a
6.7-cent average rate, while Wash
ington is second, with 68 cents. Bos-
ton was cited as having the highest
rate, 9.3 cents. Washington had the
lowest rate in the country prior to
the introduction of the present rate of
six tokens for so cents, he said.
Although he characterized the cap
1tal structure of the Capital Transit
Co. as wholesome" Mr.. Elgen ad-
vocated that means be sought for re-
ducing the total company indebted
ness. He said the idea of large out
standing public utilities debts is "ab-
horrent" to him and has been respon-
sible for railroad and public utilities
failures in all parts of the country.
The pay roll of the local transit
company is the largest of any of the
local utilities, and as result its tai
load will increase approximately
$6O,0OO in 1889 as a result of socia
security taxes and similar levies, the
subcommittee was told by B. M. Bach.
man, District chief accountant.
Charles M. Maize, representing Co.
1umbia Lodge. No. 174, Internationa
Order of Mechanics, usggested restora.
ton of the ST weekly street car pass
with provision that it be limited
to use by adults only. He also advo'
Gated two-man street car operation.
When the subcommittee adjourn
today 1t will not meet again unit
Tuesday morning, but at that tim,
will begin schedule of morning ant
afternoon sessions, Chairman Ran
dolph announced. He said Represen
tative Dirksen, Republican, of Illinois
who was instrumental in bringing
about the present investigation, is il
and will not be able to participate II
hearings until early next week.