With the passage of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, the Motor Carrier
Act of 1980, and the Harley O. Staggers Rail Act of 1980, my
Administration, working with the Congress, has initiated a new era of
reduced regulation of transportation industries. Deregulation will lead to
increased productivity and operating efficiencies in the industries
involved, and stimulate price and service competition, to the benefit of
consumers generally. I urge the new Administration to continue our efforts
on behalf of deregulation legislation for the intercity passenger bus
industry as well.
In the coming decade, the most significant challenge facing the nation in
transportation services will be to improve a deteriorating physical
infrastructure of roadways, railroads, waterways and mass transit systems,
in order to conserve costly energy supplies while promoting effective
transportation services.