Sees Historic Opportunity for U.S. Freight Efficiency

Rio Grande Pacific Corporation today announced its enthusiastic support for the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Corporation. The merger will create the first coast-to-coast railroad in American history, linking over 50,000 route miles of track across 43 states and reshaping the national logistics landscape. As a leading short line and regional rail operator, Rio Grande Pacific Corporation views the merger as a positive step toward a more efficient, and competitive domestic freight rail system.

Richard Bertel, Chairman and CEO of Rio Grande Pacific, praised the merger’s potential to improve rail transportation nationally: “The proposed merger represents a reasoned and logical step forward for the national rail system. The combined network should unlock efficiencies that benefit all stakeholders—from large and small shippers, communities and consumers, and railroads and logistics providers. Rio Grande Pacific looks forward to collaborating with the newly combined railroad to help our shippers capitalize on new routing options, new potential markets and growing service enhancements.

“We’ve long advocated for greater operational alignment in the freight rail industry,” Bertel added. “Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern as one, will deliver world class safety cultures, more reliable service, and new opportunities for regional railroads like ours to contribute to a dynamic national freight solution.”

Rio Grande Pacific Corporation urges early regulatory approval of the merger, confident that the first truly Transcontinental Railroad will deliver the highest industry standards of safety, service, and innovation, while preserving the skilled workforce that powers the industry.

About Rio Grande Pacific Corporation

Rio Grande Pacific Corporation (RGPC) is a diversified, privately held, railroad holding company with regional freight and commuter railroads, technology, energy, heavy manufacturing and a variety of supporting subsidiaries that provide associated services across the U.S. These include 3rd party train dispatching, civil and signal design engineering, industrial switching and commercial real estate. The firm has completed international railroad consulting services and due diligence for governments, railroads and major international clients on six (6) continents over the past forty (40) years.

Operating in 23 States, our business units serve many Fortune 500 companies and offer a continuum of transportation and related services across numerous industries through synergistic business relationships. This entrepreneurial and often non-conformist style translates into growth that is strong, yet stable.

At RGPC, we know what it takes to operate within complex political, regulatory and logistical situations to move freight and passengers efficiently.

To learn more, join us at www.rgpc.com.

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