In Chicago this month, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific teamed up to bring Norfolk Southern’s Safety Train to Union Pacific’s Global I Yard for three days of free, hands-on training for first responders. The sessions brought railroad and Chicago Fire Department teams together to share expertise, build relationships and strengthen response capabilities in one of the nation’s most vital freight hubs.

The training reflects a core value shared by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern as they work to create America’s first coast-to-coast railroad: safety is the foundation of how both companies operate and serve their communities.

Preparedness Built on Practical Experience

The Safety Train is part of Norfolk Southern’s Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) program, launched in 2015 to provide first responders with rail-specific training and resources. Today, the program trains an average of more than 5,000 first responders every year, including more than 5,800 in 2025.

Union Pacific trained more than 10,000 first responders in 2025 through partnerships with TRANSCAER, Operation Lifesaver and other outreach programs, including mobile training cars used in communities across its 23-state footprint.

At Global I Yard, more than 100 members of the Chicago Fire Department participated in hands-on exercises using dedicated rail equipment to simulate real-world scenarios.

A Shared Commitment With National Reach

The Chicago training demonstrated what a shared commitment to safety looks like in practice: railroad experts and first responders learning together, building trust and preparing before an emergency occurs. As Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern work toward creating America’s first transcontinental railroad, that same focus on partnership and preparedness will help strengthen safety across communities and the national supply chain.