Evening star., 1952-03-08
New Area Group
Seeks Cure for
transportation
First Step Calls
For Authorization
Of Study by ICc
By Crosby S. Moves

Uy STVSDy ,. tNOyeS
A newborn group Of citizens and
government representatives from
the M tropo1itan n Area was
launched today on q program
aimed at unsnarling Greater
Washington's tangled transporta-
tion problems.
The organization, called at the
invitation Of the Arlington Public
Utilities Commission, met last
night in the Board Of Trade room
at The Star Building. It named
itself the Washington Metropoli-
tan Area Transportation Commits
tee and appointed o. B. Allen,
head Of the Arlington PUG and
representative of the Arlington
County Board, as chairman.
It's 13 members represented the
entire Washington Metropolitan
Area, with the exception Of Falls
Church and Alexandria. Falls
Church, however, plans to send a
representative to future meetings,
1t was reported.
Asks Area Investigation.
The committee decided on q
program Of limited objectives in
attacking the problem of public
transportation. AS a first move,
q resolution was passed that the
committee urge quick action on
bills before. Congress. calling for
an investigation of area trans
portation problems by the Inter-
state Commerce Commission.
It was decided that the mem
bers, as a group, should call on
Chairman johnson of the Senate
Interstate Commerce Committee,
with the urgent request that long
delayed hearings on the bill get
under way. Identical measures
calling for the investigation have
been introduced in the upper
chamber by Senators Byrd and
Robertson, Democrats, Of Virginia,
and in the House by Representa-
tive Beall. Republican, Of Mary
land.
It was emphasized that the COM
mittee should also put in plug
for an adequate appropriation to
carry out the Investigation. The
ICC has indicated that special
funds would be essential. A men,
Der Of the meeting, Thomas Proc
tor. estimated the cost of the probe
at "at least $3.50. 600" Mr.. Proc
tor is a member of the Arlington
PUG and is also a transportation
economist with the Post Office
Department.
Would Authorize Agreement.
The committee also agreed to
support a joint resolution, SUBJ
mitted in the Senate by Chairman
johnson, which would grant the
consent Of Congress to an agree
ment among Maryland, Virginia
and the District for unified regu-
lation Of transportation within the
washington area. It was sug-
gested. however, that this measure
represents a long-term objective,
while the need for the ICC in
VeStigation was immediate.
The committee voted to send
copies Of model resolution to
al area citizens groups and local
governments, calling for congress
s1onal action. It was decided to
solicit a ground swell'' of tele-
grams and letters to the members
OF Congress concerned to help stir
up support.
From the outset, the group de-
tetmined to concentrate on the
problem Of transportation, while
taking. note Of the need for gen.
eral Standardization Of rates in
ali area utilities. The general
feeling was that if this problem
could be solved, the others could
be worked out more easily.
In discussing alternative moves.
In the event Of failure to get ac-
tion in Congress on the ICC inves-
tigation. the possibility of turning
to the new council of top WASH
ington area Government execu-
tives was suggested. G.. j. Glass
man, executive secretary of the
Arlington Commission, suggested
that this body might be able to
work out the details of financing
such an investigation by a private
group. The council was proposed
Thursday at a meeting of local
officials.
Limit Objectives.
Members at last nights meeting
carefully avoided formal action to
broaden the scope of the commit
tees immediate activity. A resolu-
ton calling for a study Of the
possible structure of a metropolis
tan transportation authority te
operate transportation facilities
was defeated.
In addition to members already
named, the following attended
last nights meeting:
John H. Connaughton, repre-.
senting the District Federation o.
Citizens Associations and thu
District Commissioners: Laurenc.
8. Knappen, Interfederation Coun.
!cjl, and Arlington Civic Associa.
ton; Fred w. Cast, Primes
Georges County Civic Associa.
ton; Edward j. Waters, membel
of the Prince Georges Count,
Board Of Commissioners; Sam e
= <Stonebraker, Civic Federation O
Montgomery County; M. A
Butcher. director Of public work
for Montgomery County; L. S
Travis. member of the Fairfa.
County PUG; James A. Little
Montgomery County Civic Fed
Grafton; c. Stephen Duvall. presi
dent Of the Interfederation Coun
Gil and Winters Haydock, forme
head Of the Department Of Cit
Transit Of Pittsburgh and resi-
dent Of Alexandria.