For example, Itasca Fire Protection District Chief Jack Schneidwind said when freight trains are crossing, they are forced to find an alternative route if the call is on the opposite side of the tracks, which means a one-minute run could take 14 minutes. Kansas City Southern didn't respond to a request for comment. The merger is also being opposed by Metra because a significant increase of freight traffic on its Milwaukee District lines could disrupt its scheduling of commuter trains.