Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 63, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 April 1907 — TOE TWO CENT RAILROAD RATES. [ARTICLE]

TOE TWO CENT RAILROAD RATES.

The passenger agent of the different railroads in Indiana, are issneing instructions to their station agents to put in effect the new two cent a mile passenger rate fixed by the last legislature, as soon as the laws go into effect by the govt rnor’a proclamation. It was thought at first that the railroads would oppose this legislation, but they have not showu auy disposition to disregard *or evade ; the new law. Similar laws are in effect m Ohio and Michigau, aud it is only a question of time until two cent legislation will extend to every part in the United States. It has been demanded by the public foi sometime, and the rates charged by interurban roads have helped to bring about the reduction. The introduction of this rate will probably bring some changes in the method of handliug business. There will be fewer passes and fewer special rates. There will be no saving in buying]a "mileage book. The only point in savor of the mileage book now will be that it is interchangeable and is more convenient. It was thought that the two cent rate would cut lout the excursion business this summer, but the railroads have* decided to run excursions as usual. If anything, there will be mor6 of them. The two cent fare means a reduction of one third on’"present one way rates. Thus the present one way rates. Chicago is $2.20 and under the new rate it will be $L.46. The round trip rate will not be reduced so much in proportion, for the present round trip reductions will be cut out, and straight two cents charged each way. Or at least tbair seems to be intention at present, films the round trip to Chicago and back is now $3.95, and undtr the two cent law it will be twice the one

way rate, or $2.94. Since the above was in type we learn from an authoritative source, that the two cent rate will not, for the present at least, apply to any inter-state travel. Thus ou the Monon, tickets bought to any station inside the state will be two cents a mile, but if the ticket is to any place outside the state it will be the old three cent rate the whole distance. Thus tickets to Chicago will still be thiee cents a*mile, but tickets to Hammond will be only two cents a mile. People will soon get next on this proposition, and will buy all their tickets to Ham mond,and from there in, pay what ever rate prevails.