Opinion ID: 1167823
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Direct operations between Phoenix and Tucson and between Florence and Tucson, via Oracle Junction.

Text: These operations are so closely related that we shall consider them together, the latter operation being an integral part of the former. It is admitted that L.A. Tanner, individually, on January 12, 1943, procured a certificate of convenience and necessity from the corporation commission to operate bus service over what was termed new territory, i.e., from Florence via Oracle Junction to Tucson which franchise was not limited to local traffic. The present plaintiff at that time strenously objected to the issuance of such certificate on the ground that it was over a territory already served by its operations from Florence via Coolidge to Tucson. Its objection was overruled and on appeal this court, one judge dissenting, upheld the action of the Commission. See Corporation Commission v. Pacific Greyhound Lines, 64 Ariz. 273, 169 P.2d 511. At the time the instant case was tried in June, 1946, the certificate authorizing this service stood in the name of Tanner. We learn from the briefs (aliunde the record) that it was not until December 19, 1946, that the Commission authorized the transfer of same to Sun Valley Bus Lines, Inc. While it is true that L.A. Tanner, then and at all times since, owned all save one of the shares of capital stock of this defendant corporation, nevertheless owing to said litigation the legal transfer of the franchise under which the operations are now carried on could not be effected at an earlier date. Technically, therefore, it was error for the trial court at the time the judgment in question was entered to sanction Sun Valley operating this route when the certificate stood in the name of Tanner. See Northeast Rapid Transit Co. v. City of Phoenix, supra. It is admitted that the defendant has no franchise expressly authorizing direct or through service between Phoenix and Tucson. Both parties agree (from statements appearing in their briefs as to matters dehors the record) that it was expressly stipulated in the amended order dated April 5, 1948, approving of the transfer of operating certificate from Tanner to defendant that Sun Valley Bus Lines, will not continue or institute a direct service from Phoenix to Tucson. The defendant insists that its subsequent operations have been in accordance with the Commission's instructions. The plaintiff challenges this and stoutly maintains that defendant's practice (which is apparently sanctioned by the Commission) of selling one ticket from Phoenix to Florence and having the passenger get off the bus at Florence and buy another ticket from Florence to Tucson is merely a neat circumvention of the Commission's order prohibiting through service. Obviously the validity of operations subsequent to the trial is not before us on this record and hence we decline to pass thereon. The issues that were properly presented to the trial court, as to the matters now under consideration, have by reason of the changed conditions of operation become moot. This fact is recognized by both parties. We shall therefore not disturb the lower court's ruling denying injunctive relief as to these operations.