The Staggers act was much different, as it basically ended government control of rates. I would actually like to see limited reregulation on how Class 1 railroads interact with shortlines, and try to get some competition back in the indsutry. The mega-mergers touted that single line service and contracts would be cheaper - shich it has for big shippers. But it also meant that smaller customers were left with few and sometimes no other choices if their connecting Class 1 decides they don't want to bother with their traffic. All the grain elevators and shortline that made the investment to consolidate and enlarge to handle 25+ car blocks are now being pushed out as railroads make deals with 110+ car shuttles at new mainline facilities.

I do contract and subcontract mechanical work on locomotives, passenger cars and sometimes MofW equipment. What I see is a potential nightmare of new regulations that will increase my liability and costs, which I have no choice but to pass on to the customer who is already somewhat reluctant to pay me due to cost as it is. COmpare the 49CFR from just 20 years ago - Part 200 for railroads has at least doubled in size.