Compare the extent of the U.S. railroad system of today with that of 100 years ago. What changes have occurred and what factors have led to these changes?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Today, the U.S. active railroad track consists of approximately 140,000 rail miles operated by seven Class I railroads, 21 regional railroads, and 510 local railroads. 100 years ago, approximately 260,000 miles of railroad track were active.
The "Golden Age" of the railroad system was from 1850s to 1920s, when it was the faster, cheaper, and more adaptable means of long-distance transportation. After World War II, a decline of passengers could be observed, as traffic dropped significantly. Automobile and airplane were emerging as competitive means of transportation for passengers while trucks were high speed,
free vehicles available to move goods.
In 1956, highway construction entered a new era with the authorization of a 42,500 mile National Interstate Highway System by President Eisenhower. This authorization changed the way people lived and traveled and further reduced the role of rail transportation.
In addition to that, the railroad system faced a relevant adversity during the 1960s and 1970s when several companies were either purchased by stronger ones or went bankrupt. Also, a decline of passengers began in the 1950s until deregulation in 1980, as a result of severe sanctions and regulation by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).