START (Solutions To Area Rail Traffic) is an independent coalition of local governments, elected officials, business organizations, community groups and transportation experts.  The coalition exists to support the goals of the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE) and protect the Chicago region’s status as “transportation hub of North America.” Specifically, START supports Canadian National Railway’s proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (EJ&E) as a viable solution to reducing freight rail congestion which, if left unchecked, carries with it serious economic and environmental consequences for the region.
 
Many of our communities have borne the brunt of freight congestion for decades.  As a region, freight traffic delays significantly threaten business development, costing jobs and revenue. 
 
Under CN’s proposal, more than 60 communities with a combined population of more than 4.1 million residents would see much needed relief from rail congestion than would see increased train counts.  To preserve the economic development, environmental quality and quality of life for the Chicago region, we must take a regional approach to issues like transportation.  That’s why we are coming together to call on the federal Surface Transportation Board and our elected officials to support and approve this acquisition.