U.S. Department of Agriculture Archives

Rural Development Perspectives

"When Rural Communities Lose Passenger Rail Service" Dennis Brown, Food & Rural Economics Division, Economic Research Service, US DOA. Rural Development Perspectives, vol. 12, no. 2 (lose_pass.pdf)

Some rural areas have recently had cutbacks in passenger rail service. While the loss of this service usually does not, by itself, threaten a town's economic survival, it may have adverse effects that can be offset by public policy. This article explores some of the options available to these communities.

"Rail Freight Consolidation and Rural America" Dennis M. Brown, Food & Rural Economics Division, Economic Research Service, US DOA. Rural Development Perspectives, vol. 13, no. 2 (rdp698c.pdf) 39KB

Deregulation in the rail freight industry has brought cheaper, faster, safer, and more efficient rail service, but reduced competition in rail service and an increase in the number of abandoned routes have hurt some rural areas. Specific strategies to counter negative effects of rail consolidations are available, including the establishment of small railroads, greater Federal and State involvement, and the Rails-to-Trails program. As the Nation's rail industry becomes more concentrated among fewer major carriers, these approaches are likely to become more important.

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Page updated 4-18-2011