In an era of tough competition and rising operating costs, the road to profitable survival for many of the nation's railroads and some of its airlines is merger. Many leaders in the rail and air fields have long appreciated this fact, and it is becoming increasingly clear that the appropriate agencies of the U.S. Government share their view.
The Interstate Commerce Commission is on record as favoring railroad consolidations in principleĀas the best way to meet the powerful competition of trucks for freight, and autos and planes for passengers. Costs can be cut by eliminating duplicate facilities. Last fall the...