FREE INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE 



25 



THE ELIMINATION OF GRADE-CROSSINGS IN CITIES 



in which the following conclusions are drawn from investigations made in 

 thirty-nine cities in the United States: 



"The tendency seems to be to keep at least a part of the authority in the 

 matter of grade-crossing ehmination in the hands of the State. Recent legis- 

 lation, like that in New Jersey, tends to vest the State Public Service or Public 

 Utilities Commission with the necessary powers. This is also the case in New 

 York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wisconsin and California. 'Home Rule' 

 in grade-crossing elimination does not seem to be as fashionable as might be 

 expected. In a great many cases the State has passed enabling acts that 

 municipahties may pass ordinances providing for crossing separation; but 

 here, in many cases, as in Ohio, the apportionment of cost is fixed by the State 

 law. Other cities, like Providence, are powerless to act without special State 

 law in each specific improvement. The most liberal State legislation may be 

 found in the case of special acts applying to Buffalo, whereby the city may 

 enter into any sort of contract it pleases. These special acts cover only certain 

 specified though comprehensive improvements, and further legislation must 

 be sought from time to time. 



^' Chicago appears to be able to do as it likes in the matter of grade-crossing 

 work. Special ordinances are passed for all improvements. Philadelphia and 

 Pittsburgh are unhampered by any State Hmitations. A great deal has been 

 accomplished in these cities, but the general tendency throughout the country 

 seems to be toward uniform State legislation. 



"The apportionment of the cost is, of course, the great question in grade- 

 crossing ehmination work. In some of our most progressive cities this is fixed 

 by law — usually State law. In thirteen of the cities investigated this is the 

 case. Massachusetts cities must, unless special legislation is passed, pay not 

 over ten per cent, of the total. Connecticut cities pay nothing, twenty-five 

 or fifty per cent., depending on who brings the petition, and upon priority of 

 the existence of the railroad or highway. New York cities, except Buffalo, 

 must pay twenty-five per cent.; Ohio cities, thirty-five per cent. The drastic 

 New Jersey law puts practically no expense on the city. In New York, Massa- 

 chusetts and sometimes Connecticut, the State meets a portion of the expense, 

 in the first two named States, twenty-five per cent." 



The adjustments made in the city of Philadelphia in a number of large 

 grade-crossing eliminations are shown in Table 6 : 

 3 



