Both UP and BNI have made statements that having Buffett on board will help the industry have a big voice in Washington. The BNI CEO said that there is a big difference in talking to members of Congress about Buffet buying BNI than when he tried to get a merger with Canadian National. They seem very receptive. Buffet is touting how much less fuel is burned by transporting by rail and how much less polluting they are versus trucks.
I don't think people yet realize what a huge effect Buffett is having on the railroad industry.