The proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger raises significant questions for commuter and intercity passenger rail services that share corridors and facilities with freight railroads. This compelling session examines the regulatory approval process, the status and role of passenger railroads in the proceeding, and the potential implications of this and future mergers. Our authoritative panelists explore the statutory and regulatory protections available to passenger rail and the substantive and procedural mechanisms for ensuring passenger service interests receive appropriate consideration during the merger process.