Evening star., 1946-02-03
BY JACQUES FUTRELLE, Jr.,
Travel Editor

The interesting possibility that
hitting the ban on railroad sleeping
accommodations for runs under 45O|
miles might ease somewhat the hotel
jam in big cities throughout the
country must wait, apparently, for
experience to answer. The travel
industry seems to be divided on the
prospect of greater availability of
hotel rooms when the final restric-
ton is ended March Is, the weight
OF opinion appearing to be that no
appreciable difference will be noted.
Disposed to be hopeful, hotel men,
travel agencies and the public mulled
over the theory in earnest when
the Office of Defense Transportation
recently announced the progressive
removal of restrictions on Pullmans.
1t was argued that business travel
ers, particularly, could revive the
practice of sleeping on overnight
trains to their destinations, complete
their missions during the day and
return to their home cities without
requiring hotel rooms; also, that
white-collar employees who "just
had to get away" from the regimen
OF the work-a-day world could plan
a one-day respite in New York for
sightseeing and theater- going in
stead of spending a night. or two.
These possibilities were conceded,
and the restoration of berths and
bedrooms on trains for overnight
trips undoubtedly will bring joy to
those segments of the public But it
was pointed out that the ratio Of
these travellers to the number of
hotel rooms in big cities is low, that
demands are so great that hotels
will continue to have solid bookings
weeks in advance, that the available
ity of short run sleepers might en-
courage trips by those who have
waited for more pleasant journeys
through just such development.
Contacted for an opinion, one
hotel man said that while the re-
stored service might aid some indi-
vidual travellers, it would have no
effect on the hotel situation except
to increase morning arrival calls for
rooms. Incidentally, he said at least
one large, chain-operated hotel in
New York was booked solidly
through March %.
One travel agency head said he
expected no relaxation in the de-
mand for hotel rooms in commercial
cities for months to come. He
described as a hope" the idea of the
sleeper order relieving the hotel
crush.
Another travel agency foresaw
possible drop in the pressure" by
business firms for hotel rooms, thus
permitting more attention to plea
sure travellers competing for reser-
vations. This agency also pointed
out that while the incoming busi-
nessman might find it necessary
to stay two or three nights at
hotel, his refreshed, early-morning
arrival would offer a full first day
for business calls, permitting him to
depart one night earlier by sleeper.
1t was also pointed out such busi-
ness-travel relief would be multiplied
by the number of cities within a
radius of $50 miles of the hub"
metropolis.
The order does not mean that
sleeper service will be restored, per
Sc, on all eligible runs. Cars are
still scarce, and the order is permis-
sive, not mandatory. The railroads
are to apportion Pullmans according
to availability, public demand and
operating considerations Under
that formula, service on all heavy
ily-traveled runs will be restored as
a matter of course.
Last week, lines operating to and
from Washington announced points
to be served beginning February Is,
when sleeping Accommodations will be
allowed between 450 and $50 miles. |
To be brought within range at that
time are such cities as Akron, Ohio;
Rochester, N. Y; Springfield, Mass.
Parkersburg, w. Va; Wilmington,
N. c., and the Southern Pines Pine
hurst area.
On March l, it is planned to add