Evening star., 1948-01-09
Fare Hearings in
Final Round
Opens tuesday
Prince Georges
Motion to Dismiss
Proceedings Rejected
BY John v. Horner
s.or SsoH Correspondent

BALTIMORE, Jan. 9.-Opposing
sides in the rate raise case involving
the Capital Transit Co.'S Maryland
lines today prepared for the final
round before the Maryland Public
Service Commission at hearings to
be resumed Tuesday.
The commission cleared the way
, for the closing phase OF the legal
battle by rejecting a motion offered
yesterday to dismiss the proceedings
in 50 far as they affect Prince
Georges County.
"A motion for dismissal was filed
by Gregory Hankin, former chair
man of the District Public Utilities
Commission. The commission ac-
cepted4 the Capital Transit view, as
expressed by Attorney Daryl Myse,
that the current proceedings are on
a PSC investigation and not on the
company's original petition for rate
increases,
Stay Order in Effect.
To prevent automatic application
OF the proposed rates last month,
the PSC entered. an order staying
them at least until April II. At the
same time, it launched its own in
yestigation into the case, independ-
ent of the utility and of protesting
citizens from Montgomery and Prince
Georges County.
Mr.. Myse pointed out the motion
to dismiss would have the effect of
making the higher rates applicable,
since the staying order would be
terminated.
Mr.. Myse's comment coming after
Mr.. Hankin's detailed explanation
OF the motion, provided a dramatic
and distinctly surprising effect for
those attending, the hearing. Mr..
Myse said the company's advice
against dismissal was of benefit to
the protesting groups instead of the
utility.
The Public Service Commission re-
opened the rate case yesterday after
noon after taking under considera-
ton arguments on another Capital
Transit petition for abandonment
of the Beltsville -Branchville trolley
Ine.%
Bus Service Offered.
As, the abandonment hearing
neared its end, F. Gloyd Await,
transit counsel, said the company
will be willing to provide bus service
from Branchville to Hollywood, If
existing roads are improved and if
the trolley abandonment is ap-
proved. ...
1t was the first formal indication
that the utility has considered al
ternate service for patrons just out
side the District. The attorney said
the company could afford to operate
ole hus about one third Of The dis
tarlce the cars now runs, on Is
minute schedule:
Capital Transit took the position
that persons beyond Hollywood
should use the interstate buses
along the Washington Baltimore
boulevard. Citizens of the Belts
vile area pointed out these buses
do not pass frequently, that they
do not always stop to accept pas
sengers because of being crowded
and that 1t would be dangerous for
riders to wait on the heavily travelled
boulevard.
Concern Over Children.
The citizens expressed particular
concern over the safety of children
riding to and from schools.
Most of the final day of testi-
mony in the abandonment case was
devoted to rebuttal of expert testi-
mony. Mr.. Myse spoke for the
transit petition, and Louis B. Arnold,
representing the people, offered the
argument against discontinuance.
He contended the company did not
present an accurate picture OF
revenues or operating costs. He said
the trolley should be retained for
the public convenience"
In the rate case, Mr.. Hankin
sought to show that evidence offered
by the utility failed to prove that
higher fares were justified. His
motion was limited to the Prince
Georges groups he was retained to
represent. This county would have
to bear 10 per cent of the total