Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-03-09

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but feel that action should be
deferred until the proposal can
be discussed with the D. c.
Trucking Association to deter
mine what effect it would have
on the industry"
Is. Require all public utility
companies. particularly the tran
sit company, and also public
agencies to obtain permission
from the traffic director before
undertaking opening Of streets
or repair work.
Commissioners: Street-work
permits are now required before
starting work which would in
terfere with traffic.
10. Establish a commercial We
hicle bureau in the traffic de-
partment to attend all matters
of traffic affecting commercial
vehicles and transit vehicles.
Commissioners: I'VE do not
agree and feel that the staff re-
quired for such specialized serv-
ice could be used to greater ad-
vantage in existing agencies
dealing with the trafflc problem.
The following recommended
tons were discussed in detail in
replies of the Transit Co., and
the PUG:
For establishing a central zone
shuttle service.
p. u. c.: Because of the large
number of streets in the central
zone on which streetcars now
operate, it is difficult to estab-
lish extensive shuttle service in
the central area without consid-
cradle duplication Of service. The
commission is considering the
practicability of initiating a
downtown loop shuttle operation
at reduced fares.
Transit Co.: This recommen-
dalton would not work. The
streetcar and bus system which
traverses the central zone is now
in effect a shuttle service. Shut
tie bus service, superimposed
upon the existing service. would
further impair traffic conditions
that are already very poor.
1t could not possibly be tied
in with the present system. and
the company is not aware of
any successful operation of this
type of service. Present made
quate earnings would be further
impaired by operation at a nom
compensatory rate of fare.
For turning back main line
vehicles before they get caught
in the downtown traffic jam.
r. U. c.: The suggestion is
not feasible. The destination
Of the majority of patrons is
the downtown area. If main
line vehicles are turned back
short Of this area patrons would
either have to transfer or walk
to their destinations. In either
case the service would be less
convenient.
Transit Co.: There are. no
favorable aspects discernible. 1t
would require almost universal
transfer between vehicles by
patrons residing outside the
downtown area. There are prac-
tically no turnback points avail
able: it would result in greater
traffic congestion. It would re-
duce service to outlying areas.
To provide fringe parking IA
cilities with some special fiat
fare.
P. U. c.: This suggestion is ap-
proved strongly. 1t will be nee
essary to hold hearings and is
sue an order covering fares to
and from each of the fringe
parking lots.
Transit Co.: The proposed
combination of fringe parking
service and a central zone shut
tie service is wrong and would
not be workable. Service from
fringe parking lots must be di-
rect and speedy.
The company, does not want
a special fiat fare. The attrac-
tiveEesS of the services will lie
in its speed and convenience
rather than in a differential Of
a few cents in fare. If fringe
parking express service proves
attractive and profitable. the
company will be willing to dis
cuss instituting a special fare to
determine whether this will fur
ther encourage the use of such
service
To provide special service for
suburban and neighborhood To-
cal residents. persons to speci-
fed store. theaters and sports
events and shoppers to the Gen.
trail business district on special
days on timetable express or
limited stop service.
p. U. c.: Some special service
now is provided. The Merchants |
& Manufacturers Association |
is trying to develop special
shoppers fare by making ar
rangements for partial fare re-
funds at downtown stores.
Transit Co.: The company does |
not understand the recommended
ton but has tried special service
at times and has found it dis
appointing.
To bring in more 'run-on"
BUSES to start part way in on
the lines to reduce waiting along
the lines.
p. U. c.: This is being done al
ready on heavy lines. A check |
will be made to see whether any
additional such service should be
provided.
Transit Co: The value Of this
principle was recognized during
the war years and instituted
a