The New Transit Plan: Thinking Big

It is difficult with only brief opportunity for reflection to grasp the whole significance of the proposed aerial rapid transit plan for the Metropolitan Area. It is big: it is revolutionary; whether it would work is something else.

Basically the plan is to build rapid transit lines into New York City from the tri-State suburban area. In New York the lines would run on overhead tracks. Where possible, existing facilities and right-of-ways would be used. The plan would cost about $1.5 billion and be self-sustaining. It would whisk commuters into New York from Teaneck, for instance, in 12 minutes on noiseless lightweight trains.

Henry K. Norton, chairman of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad, was the spokesman representing the group of railroad men and other industrialists who had worked 8 years on the idea. The sounding board was the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Commission.

The first immediate objection came from William Zeckendorf, probably the nation’s biggest real estate operator. New York City real estate, said Mr. Zeckendorf, would not stand for another elevated railroad. Stepping back 50 years, he called it. Mr. Norton explained this is not at all like the old elevated. It would be a single track on the outer edge of the sidewalk, attractively designed, noiseless.

Then comes to mind another question: Who is going to operate it? Does this mean another interstate authority? Is it to be a private corporation given franchises such as the railroads now have; and, if it goes bust, who picks up the bill?

Once the questions start, they are not likely to stop. So many difficulties present themselves: so many possibilities! Yet here is a great plan laid down in admirable detail by responsible persons who deeply know and understand the problem of transportation in the Metropolitan Area. The Metropolitan Rapid Transit Commission hardly has had an opportunity to get its breath. No one expects decision or even comment now. But this one is too big to file and forget.