The prosperity and growth from which the railroad industry has benefitted for the past 45 years is largely due to two people, both Democrats: New Jersey Congressman and Governor James J. Florio (1937-2022), and Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. As a U.S. Representative, Florio was the principal architect of the 1980 Staggers Rail Act, which partially deregulated the railroads. Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29, 2024 at 100, signed Staggers into law on Oct. 14, 1980, in one of his final acts as President. He also did a lot for public transportation.
Jimmy Carter’s one-term Presidency (January 1977 to January 1981) has been remembered mostly for turbulent economic times and the Iranian hostage crisis. But, as The New York Times said in a lengthy obituary, Carter “became one of his generation’s great peacemakers with his Camp David accords, bringing together Israel and Egypt. While his presidency was remembered more for its failures than its successes, his post-presidency was seen by many as a model for future chief executives. Rather than vanish from view or focus on moneymaking, he established the Carter Center to promote peace, combat disease and tackle social inequality, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Stuart E. Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy adviser, insisted in President Carter: The White House Years, that Carter was a thoroughly decent, honorable man who had been underrated. Carter’s accomplishments, measured against those of other Presidents, made him ‘one of the most consequential in modern history,’ Eizenstat wrote.”
The Times obit left out one very important, very consequential detail: Jimmy Carter’s role in the Staggers Rail Act. “More so than even Jim Florio, Jimmy Carter was responsible for the railroads’ partial economic deregulation,” comments Railway Age Capitol Hill Contributing Editor Frank N. Wilner.
“President Carter’s signing of the Staggers Rail Act revolutionized railroading by allowing a customer-focused, market-based approach that generated record investments, which continue to this day,” the Association of American Railroads said in a statement to Railway Age. “Thanks to this balanced regulatory approach, productivity soared in the decades that followed while rates precipitously declined, with average rates in 2023 down 42% since enactment. This policy has stood the test of time and will continue to do so into the future. Among his legacy, Carter helped transform the nation’s railroads into a world-class network that continues to safely, reliably deliver for all Americans. Railroads, along with all Americans, are grateful to President Carter for his lasting example and lifetime of service.”
“Norfolk Southern joins the nation in remembering the extraordinary life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter,” NS said in a statement. “He and First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s tireless dedication to service, advocacy for peace and commitment to improving the lives of others through efforts like Habitat for Humanity have left an enduring impact on communities worldwide. In their honor, Norfolk Southern is making a $100,000 donation to Habitat for Humanity, building on our support over the past year. We will remain inspired by President Carter’s belief in the power of collective action to strengthen communities and create a better future. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Carter family and all who admired and were inspired by our 39th president’s remarkable life of service.”
As for Florio, the Staggers Rail Act, “is named after a long-deceased and now hazily, if at all, remembered West Virginia Democratic lawmaker, Harley O. Staggers, but he didn’t even write the bill that carries his name, nor did he manage its successful passage. Much of the bill writing, as well as its majority-vote getting, was accomplished by Jim Florio,” Wilner notes. “In a last-ditch effort to inch over the finish line what was then the Rail Act of 1980—it in danger of being relegated to the dust bin of history—Florio, in a flash of political savvy, renamed it to honor Staggers, about to retire and still the popular chairman of the House Interstate & Foreign Commerce Committee (now Transportation & Infrastructure Committee). The name change to the Harley O. Staggers Rail Act similarly earned for the bill bipartisan support in the Senate.”
Jimmy Carter and Jim Florio are now bound together in a manner that few outside our industry—indeed, even those on Capitol Hill responsible for regulations and legislation affecting it—understand. It’s up to all of us not to forget what Carter and Florio did for our industry, and ensure that those newer to railroading realize the importance of the Staggers Rail Act.
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on Jan. 9, the day of Carter’s state funeral in Washington D.C., recognized his contributions to public transportation.
“APTA extends condolences to the Carter family on the passing of President Jimmy Carter, who advanced public transportation through policy and funding during his Presidency,” said President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “President Carter recognized public transportation’s role in energy independence and environmental sustainability. His Administration advanced several key initiatives, including a $10 billion funding proposal for public transportation systems in his 1977 ‘Moral Equivalent of War’ speech and the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978, which strengthened public transit infrastructure nationwide. He also signed Executive Order 12191, which established policies linking energy efficiency and public transportation, creating lasting impacts on our industry. In 1979, President Carter made history as the first U.S. President to speak at APTA’s Annual Conference. His speech highlighted the far-reaching benefits of expanding public transit systems, including significant energy savings, improved urban planning and enhanced mobility for diverse communities. President Carter’s words resonated deeply with our members and highlighted his support for the public transportation industry. His practical approach to transportation policy helped build the foundation for many of today’s public transit systems. We honor his service to our nation and his contributions to public transportation.”
Requiescat in pace.
