A、The use of oversized freight containers. B、Safety problems with railroad tracks. C、The growth of the automotive industry. D、Th

At the beginning of the 20th century, the railroads were used to transport everything. Powerful railroad companies made fortunes without having to be accountable to the public or considerate of customers.[19]But cars and trucks changed all of that. And by 1970, the rail industry was beset with problems. Trucks were taking all the new business. And even so, the rail industry remained indifferent to customers. Also, many regulations kept the rail industry from adjusting to shifting markets. But in 1980, the rail industry entered the modern era when a deregulation bill was passed that allowed railroad companies to make quick adjustments to fees and practices. Companies reduced their lines by 1/3 and used fewer employees. They also took steps to minimize damage to products and to increase their shipping capacity by stacking freight containers on railroad cars.[20]To accommodate these taller loads, under passes and tunnels were enlarged. The image of the rail industry has changed dramatically. Today companies are very responsive to customers and are gaining increasing market share in the shipping industry. The railroad safety record is also strong. Freight trains have an accident rate that is only 1/3 of that of the truck industry.[21]Trains also come out ahead of the trucks on environmental grounds because they give off only 1/10 to 1/3 the pollution that is emitted by trucks. And railroading does not wear out highways as trucks do.
19. What development caused the decline in the use of railroads?
20. Why were the under passes and tunnels enlarged?
21. What is one of the reasons why the railroad industry is gaining public support?