The Ohio Daily Express

Redcap Fee Hiked To 25 Cents In Midwest

WASHINGTON (ANP) — Passengers who offer 15 cents for redcap services in four midwestern railroad terminals starting April 1 will be greeted with a new famous last line quotation — "10 cents more, please." Thursday, the interstate commerce commission approved a boost to 25 cents per bag for redcap services at the Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianapolis and St. Louis terminals.

The charges were upped because the ICC say they are "insufficient" to cover the cost of maintenance of the baggage service. The fees charged by redcaps go to the terminals. The redcaps get regular salaries, plus tips.

However, the increase was not unopposed. The CIO United Transport Service Employes union contended the fee should be eliminated altogether. Its position was that terminals should provide redcap service on the same basis as other free terminal services, such as tickets, information, etc.

The ICC ruled against the union with the opinion that passengers have the option of using the service. If they use it, the ICC held they should be charged a flat rate.

The four terminals involved took the lead in 1947 in boosting redcap fees from the traditional 10 cents to 15 cents. Other terminals soon followed suit.