PDA

View Full Version : Staggers' Railroad Act

fluteman70
08-01-2008, 11:48 AM
I know this not a route question, but there is no place for history.
I have been doing some research on the former Senator Harley Staggers' rail act that really set Amtrak in motion. Mainly what I am looking for is info on the run from Washington to Parkersburg, WV., especially when the TuroTrain was used. The trains were called "Harley's Hornet", & the "Staggers' Special". Neither complimentary.

I have collected as much info as I know how that I won't post here, but if someone would like to read it I will email it to you.
TIA if you can supply me with anything.
Regards,
Fred
Richard
08-01-2008, 05:20 PM
The Staggers Act did'nt really have anything to do with Amtrak. Amtrak (The National Railroad Passenger Corporation) was created in 1971 by the President of the United States and it's board members have to be approved by the Senate. The Staggers Act went into effect in 1980 as a follow up to the 4R act ( Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act, 1976 which created Conrail) The Staggers Act deregulated the Rail industry allowing railroads to set freight rates without ICC approval. According to the act, the only time the ICC could override a freight rate set by the railroad is, if the ICC deemed the railroad had a monopoly on the cargo being transported and was charging more than a fair rate.
fluteman70
08-01-2008, 05:26 PM
I guess I read the wrong articles. At any rate, I was looking more for information on the Potomac TurboTrain that ran from D.C. to Parkersburg, WV. I am assuming the New York Times was somewhat correct in that article.
Regards,
Fred
Richard
08-01-2008, 05:39 PM
Hello Fred,
I think what you may have seen is a reference to Sen. Harley Staggers support of Amtrak as long as they continued to offer service to WV (his home state)
bandorr2000
08-01-2008, 06:57 PM
Check your in box.
fluteman70
08-01-2008, 08:00 PM
Probably so, but I have been influenced by Senator Staggers' son, who lives here in Keyser, WV as did his father. His son is going to look thru his father's papers and see if he can find anything I can use. I already have a photo of the "Staggers' Special" going thru my home town.
Thanks and Regards,
Fred
bandorr2000
08-04-2008, 08:01 AM
Fred, check your inbox.