After the 1970s, changes begun to occur with the gradual substitution of coal-powered steam locomotives to diesel and electric equipment. The introduction of new technologies, brought about the unemployment of some workers, while the subsequent transformation of the company from labour-intensive methods to the newest technology-related services, offered others new opportunities. Lately, while Entroncamento continues to have an elevated number of professionals associated with the rail industry, its economic activities have shifted to commerce and the service sectors as well as industries associated with civil construction. The INE ""Instituto Nacional de Estatísticas"" statistics for 2004, indicated that Entroncamento continued to be the region with the largest purchasing power in the district of Santarém.