Evening star., 1943-01-23
PUG Head Saws
Taxi Men Could
Drive Buses
Flanagan Warns
Cob Industry Moy
Become Unstable

Public Utilities Commission Chair
man James Flanagan suggested to-
day that the taxicab industry was
"a potential source of excellent
drivers for the Capital Transit Co.
Mr. Flanagan coupled this sug-
gestion with the warning that
events may develop" that will make
the taxicab industry not as stable
livelihood as It has been"
He said his suggestion might be
one way to provide manpower dur
ing rush hours, adding that some
taxicabs do not operate in such
periods.
There was an immediate sharp
difference of opinion between Cap
ital Transit and representative of
six taxicab companies over Mr..
Flanagan'S suggestion. Samuel r.
Emmons, transportation manager
of Capital Transit, said they had
had the idea some time ago and
that they have more than 200 part
time men working at present. John
H. Roger, who represents the COM
blned cabs of six companies. said
ne felt taxicab men we're needed
the most during rush hours.
Have Excellent Record.
Discussing the part-tim en-
ployes, Mr.. Emmons said they had
saved the day for the company. and
that they have turned out to be
above average in intelligence and
personality. These men work dur
ing both peak periods, he said, add
ing that they have had an excellent
record with few complaints and no
accidents.
Mr.. Emmons said they have had
some taxicab men, but not many.
On the other hand, he said. many
bus drivers are now operating taxis.
Mr.. Emmons said the manpower was
especially needed for the rush hours
that is, work between $50 and
$50 am. and $3.50 to 7:30 pm. He
said it was possible 70 make SIS to
S25 per week as a part-time driver.
Mr.. Emmons said taximen who
knew the city should make good
bus drivers and that it would be
possible to weed out reckless men on
The basis of their records with the
PUG or the Traffic Division of the
Police Department.
In emphasizing the problem con-
fronting Capital Transit, Mr.. Flan-
agan pointed out that last year the
transit firm had trained l.l7l op-
orators, but lost 1,l81. The break
| down of these figures, he said, was
| AS follows: 305 men lost to the
armed services, 667 left voluntarily
and 209 lost through promotions
transfers or involuntary severances
He pointed out that at present some
buses and streetcars could not be
operated because of the lack of per.
sonnel.
Cites Gas Shortage.
Mr.. Flanagan, explaining his re.
mark that the taxicab industry
might not be as stable a livelihood
as it had been in the past, said h,
referred to shortages of gasoline anc
rubber. 1t is necessary, he warned
| to look ahead and for the taxicat
men to realize they won't have the
same easy operation they now en-.
| joy"
Mr.. Royer, admitting that in the
past there was some reluctance on
the part of taxi drivers to operate
| during rush hours. said this morning
that such drivers were getting fewer
and fewer. He predicted that when
a group riding plan and rate is
worked out the problem will dis
appear.
If a proper group riding plan can
be worked out, Mr.. Royer said he
felt taxi drivers would be more
useful in their present jobs. He
pointed out that it takes six months
| to train taxi driver. AS to the
point of increased shortages In gaso-
line and tires, Mr.. Roger argued
that taxis operating "in a real mass
transportation system" would have
the same claim for gasoline and
tires as buses. He added that in a
! group plan the taxis would use no
more gasoline and rubber than buses.