A Railroad Manifesto is an easy-to-read primer on rail system operations, finances, and commercial activities. It emphasizes the interdependency of these three areas while also acting as a catalyst for the discussion of improving rail prospects overall. A Railroad Manifesto is written in a conversational tone and in bite-sized pieces in an attempt to make the "dismal science" of economics approachable and interesting for multiple audiences. This book particularly strives to reach the rail fan who may not have academic credentials but does have an insatiable curiosity about the industry. Students of railroad operations as well as urban planners, rail senior management, and transportation professionals will also find Erickson's compelling research and unique observations of considerable interest. Above all, Erickson argues that railroad specialists and their often narrow viewpoints have had a negative impact upon the railroad industry. A Railroad Manifesto stresses the need for the involvement of generalists in railroad operations, since generalists tend to be more versatile than specialists in dealing with uncontrollable processes.