Author

Dale Bertsch

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1977

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Economics

Abstract

Prior to the passage of the Regional Railroad Reorganization Act of 1973, the position of the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Federal Government was to place the financial burden of maintaining and operating unprofitable trackage on the railroad companies. With the bankruptcy of seven railroad companies in the Northeast however, the Federal Government and the Interstate Commerce Commission have altered their positions. Emphasis is shifting from railroads as public utilities, charged with responsibility for affecting social goals, to railroads as businesses, incapable if survival without profits. The financial burden for operation of unprofitable trackage has been shifted to those benefiting from the service, namely users, local communities, and states. The new Act contains rules which provide for a market test for continued service after consideration of various transport alternatives.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Railroads -- South Dakota -- Abandonment

Railroads -- South Dakota -- Branch lines

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

97

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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