The correct answer is C. Railroads could charge as much as they liked.
Step-by-step explanation
During the 18th century, the railway was developed as a means of transport. This was a great advance for society because it meant a reduction in travel time. In addition, it allowed the transport of a greater quantity of goods and products in long distances, replacing transport with floats drawn by animals on cobbled roads and in poor condition, which made transport difficult. However, once the railway lines were built, the railway owners were free to charge whatever they wanted to recoup their investment. This situation also allowed them to be used to charge people high prices because there was not different alternative of transport that offered the same time advantages. According to the above, the correct answer is C. Railroads could charge as much as they liked.