Ownership and Operation of US Railways: A Comprehensive Guide

The railway system in the United States is a complex network of private and publicly owned entities, each playing a crucial role in the transportation of goods and people. This guide aims to provide an in-depth look at who owns the railways in the United States, including major freight railroads, passenger services, and regional operators.

Ownership of Freight Railways

The freight railway system in the United States is primarily owned and operated by private companies. These companies not only run the railways but also own the tracks and operate services across large portions of the country. The major freight railroads include:

These companies, particularly the five largest known as "Class 1" railroads, dominate the freight railway market. They own substantial networks connecting

For instance, Canadian Pacific owns not only the former Soo Line and the Kansas City Southern, but also a north-south mainline from Canada to Mexico. This railway network, along with its port on the Pacific, plays a critical role in intercontinental trade.

Passenger Services: Amtrak's Role

While freight railroads own the majority of the railway infrastructure, passenger services in the United States are provided by both private entities and government-owned organizations. One of the most well-known passenger services is Amtrak, a publicly funded corporation that operates a significant network of inter-city and some commuter trains.

Amtrak does not own the majority of the rail infrastructure it uses. Instead, it operates on tracks owned by private freight railroads and some tracks owned by state or local entities. This arrangement allows for efficient sharing of resources, as passenger trains can use existing tracks without the need for extensive infrastructure development.

The Landscape of All Railways in the U.S.

There are a total of 630 significant-sized railroads in the United States. These are the "Class I" railroads, which are corporately owned and run by shareholders. Some key players in this sector include:

These companies account for 94% of rail revenue, 68% of track length, and 88% of employment in the U.S. railway industry. This highlights the significant role these major companies play in the overall railway landscape.

Conclusion

The U.S. railway system is a well-structured network of private and public entities, each contributing to the efficient transportation of goods and people across the country. Freight railroads own most of the track and operate services, while passenger services are provided by entities like Amtrak and some regional railroads. This mix of private ownership and public-private partnerships ensures a robust and reliable transportation network.