Railroad Merger Sparks Safety and Public Interest Concerns

By Jared Whitley

The proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railway has ignited scrutiny over its potential impact on safety, competition, and public welfare. While the game of Monopoly teaches players to dominate railroads for financial gain, real-world railway consolidations carry far graver implications. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) must rigorously evaluate whether this merger serves the public interest or prioritizes corporate profits.

A combined Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern would control over 40% of U.S. rail freight and employ nearly half of railroad workers under collective bargaining agreements. Such dominance raises red flags, particularly given recent safety controversies. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) fined Union Pacific $8 million in 2024 alone—far more than any other railroad—and halted its safety audit of the company after findings of corporate opacity. Employees reportedly avoided honest responses during inspections due to fear of retaliation.

The merger’s risks are compounded by Norfolk Southern’s history of unsafe practices. Following a 2023 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released hazardous chemicals and forced a controversial “vent and burn” response, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) condemned the railroad for providing misleading information. The incident left the community devastated, while Norfolk Southern’s activist shareholders pushed to fast-track the merger for financial gain.

Safety must be the central criterion in any merger decision. Yet, the FRA’s halted audit and the STB’s upcoming review underscore a troubling lack of transparency. Critics argue that partnerships and collaboration—rather than consolidation—could achieve similar operational benefits without threatening competition or public safety.

As the debate unfolds, questions remain: Will this merger prioritize the well-being of workers, communities, and rail users, or will it become another example of corporate interests overriding accountability? The STB’s ruling could set a critical precedent for future railroad regulations.