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A proposed union between two of the country's largest freight railroads has caught the attention of the western suburbs.
According to the Daily Herald, Geneva is one of seven municipalities that have jointly hired railway law specialists to monitor the merger application between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which is currently under federal review.
Here's what to know:
The proposed merger: The two railroads filed an application with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board seeking approval to combine into what they're calling the first transcontinental railroad in the country. They say that linking their eastern and western networks would cut cargo transfer delays in Chicago and reduce shipping costs.
What it could mean locally: Communities along the Union Pacific West Metra line (from Chicago to Geneva west to Elburn) could see up to five additional freight trains passing through each day if the merger goes forward, based on the railroads' own projections.
Why the coalition formed: Seven towns — Berkeley, Elmhurst, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Winfield, and Geneva — pooled resources to hire legal counsel with railway expertise. The goal isn't to block the merger, but instead to share costs, identify concerns, and make sure local interests are represented.
Rival railroad BNSF and some shipping companies and unions are actively opposing the deal, arguing it would reduce competition, push up prices for consumers, and eliminate jobs.
Read more in this Daily Herald article.
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