Evening star., 1942-01-24
New Traffic Problems.

IL GIlc DuuSCG Dull eau plCulCGlOll
of a quarter million increase in Dis
trict population in the near future
comes true, Washington's already
serious traffic problem will be aggra-
vated almost beyond present COM
prehension. How many of these
newcomers will bring automobiles
cannot now be determined, but any
considerable increase in vehicular
traffic in this crowded city is bound
to cause additional trouble. Some
relief eventually may result from
the expected gradual decline in use
OF private automobiles. due to war
time restrictions, but as private pas
senger cars are laid up. the load on
public transportation facilities will
grow heavier.
Looking into the future, witnesses
before the House District Committee
have concurred in the view of the
groups traffic subcommittee that
eventually Washington may have to
take some of the mass transporta-
tion facilities off the congested
streets and place them underground.
Subways undoubtedly afford relief to
surface traffic and speed transporta-
ton, but they obviously are not the
answer to the city's pressing problems
OF the immediate present and the
near future. Not only are subways
costly, but they require long time
to build. Moreover, they use large
quantities of steel, concrete and other
materials needed for war projects.
Traffic Director Van Duzer and
Highway Director Whitehurst stressed
before the committee the desirable
ity Of staggering further the hours of
governmental and private employ
ment, as one practicable means of
reducing street. congestion imme-
diately. In line with this sensible
plan, Federal authorities are pre-
pairing to put into effect a revised
schedule of staggered hours coinci-
dent with establishment of the
forty-four-hour week in most Gov
ernment departments on Monday.
The Washington Board Of Trade has
acted wisely in seeking the cooper
alton of private employers in spread
ing the traffic load through a stag
gered business schedule.
Meanwhile, the Whitehurst fringe
parking plan is a step nearer realiza-
ton. thanks to Senate passage of the
bill which would create a municipal
parking agency, with authority to
set up and operate public parking
areas on the outskirts of the con-
gested district. A companion bill,
which was approved-mildly-by the
Schultz Traffic Subcommittee, still
awaits action by the House District
Committee. 1t is to be hoped that
the committee will delay no longer
in reporting this legislation to the
House, for its enactment will pave
the way for relief of downtown traf-
f1c congestion within a reasonable
time limit.
1t is unfortunate that there seems
to be no co-ordinated, concentrated
effort to deal with Washington's null
tiplying traffic and transportation
problems. Many proposals which
were deemed adequate few months
ago have become outmoded since the
outbreak of war and the stepping up
OF governmental activity in WASH
ington. An entirely unforeseen new
situation has arisen, requiring a
comprehensive reappraisal by traffic
and public utility experts. The
enormity of this problem is such
that Washington cannot be expected
to solve it without Federal assistance.
Since the problem bears directly on
the efficiency of Americas war effort
Congress should take time to give the
matter its earnest attention, with a
view to working out broad, overall
program to meet the urgent needs of
this unprecedented emergency.