No franchise granted prior to July 4, 1903, to construct a railroad or build or establish bridges or ferries or operate any line of travel and take tolls or fares therefor shall after that date remain exclusive and no like franchise granted after that date shall be exclusive unless in such grant heretofore or hereafter made it be so expressly provided.
All railroad corporations organized under this Title shall be subject to all general laws now or hereafter passed to regulate railroads and their operation.
N.J.S. § 48:12-2