Studying Rapid Transit

Governor Meyner's announcement that he will approve a $150,000 appropriation for the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Commission apparently clears the way at last for the completion of a well-financed study of New York-New Jersey commuter railroads, their plight and their future. With $150,000 also approved from the New York side, and $500,000 more available from the Port of New York Authority, an inquiry of respectable thoroughness should be possible.

This commission has been in existence since June 14, 1953, and it was preceded by like but separate commissions set up in 1952. When the commission was created its single duty was to "study present and prospective rapid transit needs of the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area and develop, recommend and report as soon as possible measures for meeting such needs."

In a memorandum of understanding between the Port Authority and the commission made public on Jan. 13, 1955, the preamble said: The Metropolitan Rapid Transit Commission and the Port of New York Authority recognize the need for a comprehensive and competent study of all phases of the problem of maintaining an adequate and feasible system of rail rapid transit service between New Jersey and New York, in addition to the mass transportation services now being provided by bus." The memorandum urged a "constitutionally sound, financially practicable and politically feasible plan of meeting deficits and debt charges if it is determined that such deficits appear to be inevitable."

It can readily be seen that this study, while centered on New York—New Jersey railroad problems, is sure to be instructive beyond the immediate assignment, for what is true across the Hudson will probably be applicable in general outline to commuter troubles faced by the Long Island, the New Haven, the New York Central and, indeed, the New York City Transit Authority.

By Governor Meyner's action New Jersey now has a whole new team on this commission. Charles H. Tuttle of New York remains chairman. “We hope that delays are at an end, and that the commission will now be able to get under way and produce results.”