Sunday, August 5, 1956
page 4
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| This picture appeared on the front page of the August 2, 1956 Tallahassee Democrat with the caption: NEGRO DRIVER AND TRAINEE: David Moore, right, one of two Negro bus drivers on the Florida A&M-Frenchtown routes, gives Willie C. Wilson, a trainee, some pointers on handling a bus in heavy traffic. Moore, a long-time maintenance employee for Cities Transit Co., took over driving chores this morning. The Negro drivers were put on the predominantely Negro runs without advance notice by the bus company. (Democrat photo.) |
We can appreciate and approve the desire of the City officials to get sufficient authority to deal with traffic problems, public liability questions and safety factors that are likely to arise when private and unregulated transportation competes with franchised bus and taxi service during a period of tension.
But the ordinance which was proposed had severe faults.
It was generally considered nothing more than retaliation against the Negro bus boycotters, conceived in a malicious spirit. Many never expected it to be enforced on anything but a partial basis. Right or wrong, that put a blemish on it with good people of both races.
It contained enough exception to make it palatable for many special groups, but not enough to suit all.
Attempts to enforce it according to the letter would have brought one wrangle after another in the police courts. Attempts to enforce it any other way would have made it subject to invalidation as discriminatory and arbitrary.
In the light of Atty. Gen. Richard Ervin's opinion, the City apparently has sufficient authority under old state laws to handle the problems of public safety and liability which are inherent in the present situation and to exercise their responsibility case by case as the evidence warrants.
We feel sure they will deal fairly with all concerned without shirking in any way their duty to the whole public to keep our streets safe and see that those who operate transportation systems – for profit or not – are qualified personally, have vehicles in good mechanical condition, and are financial responsible for any accidents in which they are involved.
