Americans Back a Transcontinental Railroad by More Than 2-to-1 Margin
WASHINGTON — Americans overwhelmingly support the creation of a transcontinental railroad, according to a survey by Guidant Polling & Strategy.
The survey asked 2,000 Americans about the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern. Results showed 55% support the transaction, compared with 23% who oppose it, while 22% remain undecided.
“We were commissioned to field this survey as another way to get feedback from stakeholders,” said Guidant Polling and Strategy Pollster Brendon DelToro, who conducted the survey. “What we learned is Americans support the merger by a margin of more than 2 to 1. They intuitively understand the positive impact of a transcontinental railroad on maintaining affordability, creating good-paying jobs and reducing highway congestion.”
Survey respondents saw many benefits, including driving costs down and making everyday goods more affordable (33%); strengthening American supply chains (14%); and creating jobs and economic growth (13%). Additionally, 60% of merger supporters believe it will have positive impacts on the rail industry.
The survey showed Americans believe strongly in freight rail as a driver of the U.S. economy, with 75% rating freight rail “very important.”
Support for the Merger Continues to Build Across the Country
Public support for the merger comes on top of strong support from customers, public officials and community leaders. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern submitted letters of support from more than 2,000 stakeholders with the original application filed in December 2025, followed by 150 additional letters of support in August 2026.
Labor leaders also recognize the benefits of a transcontinental railroad. Seven unions have publicly endorsed the proposal, including International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers — Transportation Division (SMART-TD), the rail industry’s largest union, along with the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA), Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (BRC), International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), Iron Workers, United Supervisors Council of America (USCA), and National Conference of Firemen & Oilers (NCFO).
Together, the polling results and broad support from customers, labor unions and community stakeholders underscore confidence that a seamless transcontinental freight rail network will strengthen supply chains, support economic growth and enhance the competitiveness of U.S. freight transportation.
