United States Railway Association

In 1973, the United States Congress passed the Rail Reorganization Act, establishing the United States Railway Association (USRA) to develop a plan for a Consolidated Rail Corporation (ConRail), charged with planning and financing the reorganization of bankrupt railroads in the Northeast and Midwest. In July of 1974, USRA submitted a Final System Plan to Congress. ConRail was established in 1976, revitalizing the railroads in spite of the deep economic regulation that remained. The Staggers Act in 1980 allowed railroads to establish their own routes, adjust their rates to the market and differentiate rates based on demand, making them competitive with truck transport. The United States Railway Association was abolished in 1987 after ConRail gained financial independence.