Prior to the Staggers Act, the railroad industry was suffering: Many railroads had financial problems, and the conditions of rail facilities had deteriorated. Public demand for a better rail system caused Congress to take action and pass the Staggers Act, which has resulted in rail profits and improved service. The Staggers Rail Act of 1980 marked the most significant change in rail policy since the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887. It eliminated most common-carrier obligations, granted railroads greatly increased commercial freedom, and generally reversed previous policy. The act was an effort to deregulate the nation's railroads. In deregulating the nation's railroads, Congress intended (1) to return the nation's railroads to financial health, (2) to re place government regulation wherever possible with the powers of competition, and (3) to continue to provide captive shippers with protection from "unreasonable" rates. Brennan (1997) re ports...