Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1948-07-14
Capital Transit
DuetoComp|ete
Fare RaiseP|ea
19 Organizations
At PUG Hearing Here
Prepare to Protest
Ry Jerry QLeory. Jr.

The Capital Transit Co. was eX-
pected to complete its plea for in
creased streetcar and bus fares at
the second session today Of Pub
lie Utilities Commission hearing on
the proposal.
Representatives Of 10 organiza-
lions crowded the District Build
ing board room this morning, pre-
pared to register protests against
the higher fare petition, probably
after the luncheon recess.
Two transit company officials
we're heard yesterday in support OF
the proposal to increase cash fares
from 10 to IS cents, restore tokens
at two for quarter and increase
the weekly pass price from Sl.oO TO
s1.85. They were J. E. Heberle, vice
president and controller, and Will
liam B. Bennett, vice president and
secretary of the company.
Company's Complete Case.
Mr.. Heberle was expected to re-
turn to the stand today to complete
the company's case. After the
spokesman for the protesting groups
have been heard today, PUG Chair
man James H. Flanagan probably
will adjourn the hearing for about
two weeks to give PUG a chance
to study evidence submitted by
Capital Transit.
Mr.. Heberle declared late yes
terday the company's rate of return
should not be less than 10 per cent
on the rate base-about $30,000,000
by latest estimates The present
rate of return is estimated to be
about 7l2 per cent. He said the
company should receive this rate of
return to provide reasonable divi-
dends for stockholders and to make
Capital Transit attractive to invest
ors.
Sees S1,504.998 Loss.
The witness told the PUG his
company would sustain revenue
loss of s1,504.998 if compelled to OPP
crate for another year with current
bus and street car fares in effect.
Mr.. Heberle said he estimated the
company would realize only S25, 405,-
493 by June 80, 1949, if there is no
change in present fares. The COM
pany earned $26,990,4 91 at the emo
of June 80 this year, he declared.
If the higher rates are granted,
Mr.. Heberle said, nearly all of Capt.
tai Transit's patrons would switch
over to tokens at tWo-for- quarter,
He estimated the company would
furnish 1876, 1893 OBJ token rides in the
year ending June 80, i94e, if the in
crease were granted, whereas only
7,147,264 cash fares and 4,991, 795
pass rides would be tabulated.
Opposition Groups.
Organizations expected to appear
today in opposition to the company
request include: The United Public
Workers of America, Local 10; the
District Federation of Federal En-
ployes' Unions, the District Com
munist Party, the Washington In
dustrial Union Council (C1O), the
Washington Committee for Con-
sumner Protection; Local 209, Cooks,
PdSCTy SOOkS anu hllCiiCll LII
ployes; the Washington League Of
Women Shoppers, the Shepherd
Park Citizens Association, the
Washington Chapter, Americans for
Democratic Action; the Arkansas
Avenue Citizens Association, the
Burroughs Citizens Association,
Stanton Park Citizens Association,
the Women's Auxiliary, UPWA: the
Washington Committee for Wallace,
the American Federation of Gov
eminent Employees, the Washington
Area Branch, American Veterans
Committee, and the Association to
Oppose Transit Fare Raise.
The Federation of Citizens ASso-
Citations, the ADA and the AVG have
been recognized as interveners, with
the right to file briefs and cross
examine witnesses. Mr.. Flanagan
said spokesman for these organiza-
lions may want to croSs-questlon
companv witnesses TODAY,