Atlantic Coast Line Railroad v. State

143 So. 255, 106 Fla. 278

• Court: Supreme Court of Florida
• Decided: July 26, 1932
• Status: Published

Opinion

Whitfield, J.—

STATEMENT

In a bill of complaint filed under the statute by the railroad commissioners against the Atlantic Coast Line Rail-

road company, it is in effect alleged that the defendant is a common carrier by railroad operating within the State of Florida; that the defendant owns and operates a line of steam railroad extending in and through the southeastern Gulf States; and in connection with and as a part of its said railro'ad system owns and operates lines, of railroad extending to various stations or points within the State of Florida, including Monticello in the County of Jefferson, State of Florida; that the said defendant has operated since July 1st, 1902, and still operates regular passenger trains transporting passengers within the State of Florida from points to other points therein over its lines of railroad aforesaid!; that on December 14, 1925, upon application of the defendant the Interstate Commerce Commission issued a certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity author-, izing the defendant to construct and operate an extension of its line in Taylor, Madison and Jefferson Counties, Florida; that under and by authority of such certificate the defendant constructed an extension of its line of railroad from Perry, Florida, in a northwestwardly direction to connect with its Thomasville-Georgia-Monticello Branch at a point about five miles1 north of Monticello and thus established a through line of its railroad serving Perry and Tampa, St. Petersburg and other points on the west coast of Florida. The construction of this connecting line of railro'ad was completed on or about August 25, 1927. This line of railroad was. known as the “Perry Cut-off.” No passenger train service was operated over this new line to Perry, Florida, until by order No. 937, dated October 12, 1927 the Railroad Commission of the State of Florida ordered the defendant to operate over its line of railroad from its station called Monticello, Florida, to Perry, Florida, not less than one passenger train each way daily, except Sunday; that in compliance with said Order the defendant on Sunday, November 6, 1927, inaugurated through local service between Albany, Georgia, and Perry, Florida, by extending trains Nos. 73 and 74 from Thomasville (Ga.) to Perry (Fla.) that these two trains were operated as regular trains carrying passengers serving all local points between Perry and Georgia line from November 6,1927, to December 4, 1928; that on December 4, 1928, after having received the consent of the Eailroad Commission of the State of Florida, the defendant discontinued passenger trains No. 74 and No. 77, which said trains were the same passenger trains that were inaugurated by virtue of said Order of the Commission on November 6, 1927, and these trains were performing the same service heretofore performed by Trains Nos. 73 and 74 put on by virtue of Order No. 937 dated October 12, 1927, heretofore referred to. That as a substitute for said train the defendant inaugurated a through train known as the “SOUTHLAND” and operated under train Nos. 32 and 33. It was represented to the Commission that said train known as the “SOUTH-LAND” would take care of passengers from Thomasville (Ga.), Monticello (Fla.) and Perry (Fla.); that the defendant has operated said passenger train known as the “SOUTHLAND” continuously since its inauguration on December 4, 1928, as a regular train carrying passengers, and said passenger train was not put on for special occasions such as fairs, carnivals, conventions, excursion and the like. That said train performs intrastate service picking up and discharging passengers at various points along the line of its operation within the State of Florida. ’ ’

That the Eailroad Commission has been advised by representative business men, Chambers' of Commerce and other agencies, through letters, telegrams, protests and resolutions that it was the intention of the defendant'to discontinue the operation of its said passenger train known as the “SOUTHLAND” operating over said “PERRY CUT-OFF” to the west coast of Florida on the 31st day of March, 1932, and requested the Commission to take such steps as it deemed necessary to prevent the discontinuance of such passenger train. * * * No definite written statement in reference to the discontinuance of this service was received hy this Commission in response to * (its) letter (of inquiry as to such proposed discontinuance) hut on April 28th, 1932, in an informal conference between officials of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company and this Commission it was stated to this Commission that the defendant recognized no jurisdiction in this Commission over the discontinuance of the operation of this passenger train known as the “SOUTHLAND,” as it was an interstate train, and that the defendant felt that it was within its rights to discontinue the operation of said passenger train at such time as its operation was no longer profitable to said defendant without applying to the Railroad Commission of Florida for consent to such discontinuance. It was further stated that this defendant was' now operating this passenger train known as the “SOUTHLAND” at a loss. That at no time herein mentioned has the defendant submitted to the Railroad Commission of the State of Florida any application or petition for the discontinuance of such regular train carrying passengers now operated by.it known as the “SOUTHLAND,” nor has it submitted to said Commission any proposed change in the schedule of such passenger train, nor any proposed reduction in the service now rendered by such train, and at no time mentioned herein has the Railroad Commission of the State of Florida approved any application for consent to discontinue operation of such regular passenger train known as'the “SOUTHLAND,” nor has it approved any change in the schedule of said train, nor has it approved any reduction in the service now being performed within the State of Florida by such regular train carrying passengers known as the “SOUTHLAND.” That your orator is advised, believes, and, therefore, avers, that the defendant intends to discontinue the operation of said regular train carrying passengers between the points and stations on its line within the State of Florida known as the “SOUTHLAND,” and operated under trains Nos. 32 and 33, without observing the law and the rules of the Eailroad Commission by making written application to the Eailroad Commission of the State of Florida for consent to discontinue such train. That your Orator is convinced from the statements made by officials of the defendant to it in the conferences above mentioned, and therefore avers, that it is the purpose of the defendant to discontinue the operation of said passenger train at an early date. That the statement of the defendant through its officials that it recognizes no jurisdiction in this Commission to pass on the question of whether or not the defendant is justified from discontinuing the operation of this regular train carrying passengers known as the ‘ ‘ SOUTHLAND, ’ ’ indicates that it is the purpose and intent of said defendant to ignore and disregard the law and the rules of the said Eailroad Commission of the State of Florida, and to discontinue the operation of said train without making written application for the consent of the said Eailroad Commission of the State of Florida as is required by the valid rules of such Commission. That unless the Eailroad Commission of the State of Florida is given information as to a proposed discontinuance of a regular train carrying passengers said Commission cannot give to the transportation of passengers that supervision and regulation required of them by the statute. That it is the duty under the law of the said Eailroad Commission of the State of Florida by proper supervision and regulation to secure adequate service by common carriers by rail operating trains carrying passengers, and to correct abuses and to prevent unjust discrimination by such common carrier. That the withdrawal of said regular passenger train within the State of Florida will seriously interfere with and inconvenience a large portion of travelers by rail using said passenger train known as the “SOUTHLAND,” and would cause serious discrimination against Perry, Tampa and St. Petersburg and other cities on the west coast of Florida and in favor of other towns and cities situated in other parts of the State of Florida, for which no adequate remedy at law can be had; * * * that the failure and refusal of the defendant to make application to the Railroad Commission for consent to discontinue the operation of said passenger trains numbered 32 and 33, known as the “SOUTHLAND,” and the failure and refusal of said defendant to make application to substitute some other adequate service for the service now rendered and performed by said passenger train known as the “SOUTH-LAND,” indicate an intention on the part of the defendant to discontinue the running of said regular train carrying passengers, and to discontinue the facilities, privileges, services1 and accommodations now in effect and allowed the patrons of such defendant along the line of its said line of railroad within the State of Florida, without the consent of said Railroad Commission first had and obtained, and that notice to the defendant of this application for a temporary injunction or restraining order will accelerate or precipitate the injury complained of herein, in that said defendant would immediately discontinue the running of said regular train carrying passengers, and discontinue such facilities, privileges, services and accommodations before this matter could be presented to this Court, resulting in abuse of authority by said defendant and in great injury and inconvenience to and discrimination against the people of the State of Florida. ’ ’

It is prayed that the defendant, Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company, its agents, servants and employees, during the pendency of this suit be temporarily enjoined and restrained from discontinuing the running of its regular train carrying passengers known as the “SOUTHLAND” and operated by the defendant under train numbers 32 and 33, and from discontinuing the facilities, privileges, services and accommodations given, granted, extended and allowed the patrons of such passenger train until this defendant shall have fully complied with the laws of the State of Florida, and the rules of the Railroad Commission of the State of Florida, and made written application before and obtained the consent of the said Railroad Commission of the State of Florida to discontinue the running of such regular train carrying passengers known as the “SOUTHLAND” operating over what is known as the PERRY CUT-OFF from the Georgia-Florida line serving Monticello, Perry, Tampa and St. Petersburg and intermediate stations, and until the further order of this Court; that upon final hearing of this ease the restraining order and temporary injunction herein prayed for be made permanent.

The court “ordered, adjudged and decreed that the defendant, Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company, its agents, servants and employees during the pendency of this suit be temporarily enjoined and restrained from discontinuing between and to and from stations on its line of railroad within the State of Florida, the running of its regular train carrying passengers' known as the “SOUTHLAND” and operated by the defendant under trains Nos. 32 and 33, and from discontinuing the facilities, privileges, services and accommodations given, granted, extended and allowed the patrons of such passenger trains from, at or to stations on its line of railroad, within the State of Florida, until this defendant shall have fully complied with the laws of the State of Florida, and the Rules of the Railroad Commission of the State of Florida, and made written application before and obtained the consent of the said Railroad Commission of the State of Florida to discontinue the running of such regular train carrying passengers known as the “SOUTHLAND” operating over what is known as the PERRY CUT-OFF from the Georgia-Florida line serving Monticello, Perry, Tampa and St. Petersburg and intermediate stations, and until the further order of this Court. It is further ORDERED that a copy of this Order be served forthwith upon the defendant, Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company.”

The defendant moved the court to dissolve the injunction and to dismiss the bill of complaint on grounds in substance that the railroad commission has no authority to require the defendant to perform the functions demanded.

The court denied the motion to dissolve the injunction and to dismiss the bill of complaint.

On appeal the defendant assigns' separately as errors the orders denying the motions to dissolve and to dismiss.

The statutes of Florida contain the following enactments :

“The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the transportation of passengers and property and to the receiving, delivering, storage and handling of property wholly within this State and shall apply to all railroads, railroad companies and common carriers engaged in this State in the transportation of passengers or property by railroads or common carriers therein from any point within this State to any point within this State. So far as is or may he permitted by the Constitution and the laws of the United States they shall apply also to interstate and foreign commerce and common carriers to and from points in this State.” Sec. 6700 (4615) C. G. L.

The Railroad Commission shall have the power “to prescribe all rules and regulations appropriate for the execution of any of the powers conferred upon them by law either in express terms or by implication.” Par. 13, sec. 6703 (4618) C. G. L.

“Every railroad company shall operate over every part of its line not less than one passenger and one freight train each way daily except Sunday, and if they shall so determine, such service will be deemed sufficient until the commissioners shall determine that the public need does not require a greater service than one mixed train each way daily except Sunday, and if they shall so determine, such service will be deemed sufficient until the commissioners otherwise order. This requirement of daily service except on Sunday shall not apply to railroads operated for less than one year, on which a less' service may be authorized by the commissioners, but nothing herein contained shall be held as limiting the right of the railroad commissioners to require of all railroads and common carriers such greater service as they shall deem to be to the best interest of the public.” See. 6706 (4621) C. G. L.

“Said commissioners may, at their discretion, cause to be instituted in any court of competent jurisdiction in this State, by the Attorney-General, State Attorney or special counsel, designated by them, in the name of the State, proceedings by or for mandamus, injunction, mandatory injunction, prohibition or procedendo, against any such company or common carrier, subject to the provisions of this Chapter, or against any office or officer, agent or agents thereof, to compel the observance of the provisions of this Chapter, or any rule, rate or regulation of the commissioners made thereunder. * * * Said commissioners are hereby given and granted full authority to do and perfoTm any act or thing necessary to bte done to effectually carry out and enforce the provisions and. objects of this Chapter.” See. 6747 (4661) C. G. L.

It is alleged by the bill of complaint that the following Rule was adopted December 3, 1908, by the railroad commissioners :

“RAILROADS CANNOT DISCONTINUE PASSENGER TRAINS WITHOUT PERMISSION:

12. No railroad company shall discontinue running any regular train carrying passengers, either wholly or in part, without the consent of the Railroad Commissioners, previously obtained.

Written application for such consent must be made at least ten days before the date for the proposed discontinuance, but the Railroad Commissioners may, in their discretion, shorten the time of application for good cause shown.

This rule does not apply to a passenger train or trains put on for special occasions such as fairs', carnivals, conventions, excursions and the like.”

It is also alleged that Rule 16 of the Railroad Commission Rules contains the following which has1 been in force for more than five years past:'

“DISCONTINUANCE OF RATES, FACILITIES, PRIVILEGES AND SERVICE

16. # * * And any and all facilities, privileges, services and accommodations, now in effect or practiced, or hereafter made effective, extended or practiced, which give, grant, extend or allow patrons', shippers, subscribers or other persons transacting business with any of said companies under the jurisdiction of this Commission as much or more of the privileges, facilities, services or accommodations to which they are entitled by law or by rule, regulation or order of this Commission, whether such privileges, facilities, services or accommodations are given, granted, extended or allowed as the result of voluntary action upon the part of such companies, corporations or persons or otherwise, are hereby established as the requirements of the Railroad Commission of Florida, and no sncli privileges, facilities, services or accommodations shall be discontinued without notice to the Railroad Commission of the State of Florida and the consent of said Railroad Commission first obtained so to do, but all such privileges, facilities, services and/or accommodations shall be given, granted, extended or allowed without hindrance, the same as other requirements of said Commission; Provided, nothing herein shall be construed as an attempt to unlawfully interfere with or burden interstate commerce, nor shall same apply to temporary services, facilities, accommodations and privileges extended under special circumstances and for a limited time only and so reported to the Commission.”

■Whitfield, J.

(after making the foregoing statement).— This appeal is from an order denying a motion to dissolve a temporary injunction restraining the discontinuance of the operation of interstate passenger trains which also carry intrastate passengers in Florida, until the carrier applies for and obtains permission to discontinue such trains from the Florida railroad commission. The order also denied a motion to dismiss the bill of complaint made a part of the motion to dissolve the temporary injunction. The appeal covers both phases of the order.

The constitution provides that:

“The legislature is invested with full power to pass laws for the correction of abuses and to prevent unjust discrimination and excessive charges by persons and corporations engaged as common carriers in transporting persons and property, or performing other services of a public nature; and shall provide for enforcing such laws by adequate penalties or forfeitures.” Section 30, Article XVI.

This organic provision and the statutes enacted thereunder, contemplate that State regulations of persons and corporations engaged as common carriers or performing other services of a public nature, shall be efficient and adequate to conserve the public welfare. The quoted section and the statutes also intend that such regulations shall not deny due process or equal protection of the laws, and shall not invade or encroach upon dominant Federal authority including the instrumentalities of the Federal government and the power of Congress to establish post roads and to regulate interstate or foreign commerce under the Federal constitution.

The State Railroad Commissioners are statutory officers who have only such administrative regulatory authority as may be conferred and as is expressly or impliedly limited by statutes. Among the implied limitations of every legislative enactment is the requirement that every such enactment shall accord with the commands and limitations contained in the Federal and State constitutions.

In exerting the authority conferred upon them by statute, the railroad commissioners may, within the limitation expressly or impliedly defined by organic or stattory law, exercise reasonable administrative discretion and judgment to effectuate the intent of the law as it may legally be applied to varying conditions. Statutory authority given to administrative officers, must be exerted in accordance with the requirements of controlling provisions and principles of law; and every exercise of such authority must be authorized by controlling law and must be reasonable and appropriate in the method and extent of its application. Rules duly adopted by the railroad commissioners may be the exercise of authority conferred by statute; but such rules cannot add to or vary the nature or the extent of the authority conferred upon the commissioners. Such authority must be conferred by a duly enacted statute having the force of law pursuant to the commands and limitations of the paramount organic law. Section 30, Article XVI, constitution.

The Florida Railroad Commission has authority under the statute to regulate intrastate passenger transportation even on interstate trains when Federal authority is not interfered with; but it cannot enforce the continued operation of an interstate passenger train merely because it carries passengers between points in the State on its line. In the absence of a controlling Federal regulation upon the subject, the State commission may require application to be made to it for permission to discontinue intrastate passenger service by an interstate passenger train on its regular line. This is permissible to enable the State commission to make proper orders for the rendering by the carrier of the intrastate service that may be interrupted by a discontinuance under Federal authority of the interstate trains that had been rendering the intrastate service.

The allegations of the bill of complaint indicate that if the interstate train known as the “SOUTHLAND” is discontinued, there should be . supplied a substituted service to meet the reasonable requirements of the intrastate traveling public to and from the Florida points named. Such reasonable passenger service may be duly required o'f the carrier on its interstate trains by the railroad commission under the statute in the absence of conflicting Federal regulations. Such requirement may be lawfully accomplished, not by an enforced continued operation of an interstate train, but by requiring the defendant common carrier to supply the appropriate service by means of proper train facilities operating between Florida points, if and when the operation of the interstate train is discontinued.

The commissioners may require reasonable notice of a contemplated discontinuance of intrastate service being rendered by interstate, trains, in order that the commissioners may consider and make appropriate orders with reference to the continued rendering of reasonable and proper intrastate service along the line, should the interstate trains be discontinued. This would not materially burden interstate commerce and may not conflict with Federal regulations. See St. Louis-San Francisco R. R. Co. v. Alabama Public Service Commission, 279 U. S. 560, 49 Sup. Ct. 383, 73 Law Ed. 843.

Predicated upon allegations quoted in the statement herein, the prayer of the bill of complaint is that the defendant railroad common carrier be enjoined from discontinuing the running of its1 regular trains carrying passengers known as the “SOUTHLAND” and from discontinuing the services extended the patrons of such passenger trains until the defendant shall have fully complied with the laws of Florida and the rules of the railroad commission, and made written application for and obtained the consent of the railroad commission-to discontinue the running of such regular train carrying passengers known as the “Southland” operating over xvhat is known as the.Perry Cut-Off from the Georgia-Florida line serving Montieello, Perry, Tampa and St. Petersburg and intermediate stations and until the further order of the court. The injunction order substantially follows the prayer of the bill as shown by the statement herein. The train known as the “Southland” is shown to be an interstate train. While the railroad commission may regulate the transportation of intrastate passengers on an interstate train, where there is no conflicting Federal regulation, and may require appropriate and adequate train facilities for such intrastate passengers, the State authority has no power to require the continued Operation of an interstate train, even thoug’h the interstate train service was supplied by suggestion or permission of the State authority.

The order herein does not only enjoin the defendant from discontinuing the intrastate service between points in Florida, or by mandatory injunction under Section 6747 Compiled General Laws, require the defendant to supply the needed intrastate service by appropriate train facilities, if and when the operation of the interstate train known as the “Southland” is discontinued on the line of defendant’s railroad in Florida referred to in the prayer and in the order. The injunction order attempts to restrain the alleged threatened discontinuance of the operation of an admitted interstate train, and does not merely enjoin the discontinuance of intrastate service.

The order denying the motion to dismiss the bill of complaint is affirmed. The order denying the motion to dissolve the injunction is reversed and the cause is remanded with permission to allow the bill of complaint to be amended if desired and for further proceedings to an' appropriate decree consistent with the principles stated in this opinion.

It is so ordered.

Btjeoed, C. J., and Terrell, Brown and Davis, J.J., concur. Ellis, J., agrees to the conclusion reached.

Ellis, J.

I think that the Railroad Commission of the State of Florida has no power under its rules to require the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company to make application to and obtain permission from the Railroad Commission to lawfully discontinue the service afforded by interstate trains which is made the subject of the bill of complaint in this ease. The injunction therefore was improper and should be dissolved. It may be proper to allow the bill to be amended to present a case within the power of the Commission to require application for permission to abandon a local or interstate service.