Episode 83: Back on Track? Railroad Merger May Hasten Return of Passenger Service Between New Orleans and Baton Rouge

Last week, Calgary-based Canadian Pacific Railway finalized a $31 billion dollar purchase of Kansas City Southern railway. The deal, which is North America’s first major merger of Class I railroads in 20 years, could have a noticeable impact in south Louisiana, where some of Kansas City Southern’s 6,700 miles of track is located. John Spain is the executive vice president of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and a member of the Southern Rail Commission. On this week’s podcast, Spain talks about the deal’s implications, including how it may hasten the return of passenger rail service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.