Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-02-25
Bus versus Trolley


Many protests have been
heard against the announced
plan to develop an all-bus
District transportation system.
Many requests have been made
for a study of relative costs of
streetcar and bus operation.
1t Is unthinkable that the
Public Utilities Commission
and the District Commissioners
do not have complete figures
on relative costs. 1t is equally
unthinkable that they have
adopted q Vanderbiltian atti-
tude toward public preference
for one or the other type of
vehicle. We have had no in
dication that these officials are
aware of or concerned with
the public's attitude, requests.
or protests.
Existing tracks and power
connections represent a liabil-
ity Of several million dollars for
their removal and resnrfacing
of roadways. On the other
hand. such tracks and connec-
tons are an asset Of several
million dollars in any pur-
chase, condemnation or other
form Of transfer Of the system
for continued similar opera
ton. If the possibility exists
that operation Of streetcars
may be continued after depar-
ture Of the present Capital
Transit interests, the difference
between trackage and connec-
tions land any additional ac-
cessory nonremovable equip
ment, as a liability on the
one hand and as an asset on
the other. amounts to millions
Of dollars.
Under such circumstances. 1t
Is entirely understandable that
our public officials should in
sist, for reasons Of ultimate
negotiation. on a proposed all
bus system. What is q fair
price? As q seller will magnify
or maximize values, so will q
buyer or other transferee
minimize them. In this case.
not only will cost determine
the type Of operation. but the
type of operation will deter
mine the cost.
But, however understand
able. such a necessarily strong
and silent official attitude
leaves the citizenry in igno-
rance. unhappy and rebellious
against seeming highhanded-
ness. Nor can public officials
maintain an incorporating
attitude. which the public does
not understand. as long as can
q private group which is under
a less immediate requirement
to account or explain. On the
other hand, it would be naive
to think that the present own
ers are not aware Of the tactics
being followed. In other words,
the opposition knows; only the
people, whom the Commission
ers represent. remain in bliss
less ignorance.
What, then. can officials do
In such a dilemma, without
prejudice to their tactical po-
sition? I suggest that they
issue a frank statement to the
effect that careful and thor
ough studies have been made
of all aspects of the problem;
that as long as a possibility.
however slight. exists that
streetcar operation may be
continued, the Districts oftl-
cial position is and must be
that for transfer purposes ex-
listing streetcar equipment and
facilities are a liability; and
that the possibility OF con-
tinued use Of streetcars de-
ponds. in part at least. on con-
siderations Of both operating
costs and cost OF acquisition.
Such q statement would
honestly describe the problem
TO the public, and explain the
reticence TO undermine official
bargaining power by an ex-
preston Of willingness to con-
tinue streetcar operation. At
the same time. 1t would main
tain that bargaining power; 1t
would merely publicly state to
the present owners what they
already know. but give them
public notice of the intention
to retain that power in later
Yle1otiation ,or legal action.