EXHIBIT 23.1


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report included in this Form 10-K, into Genesee & Wyoming Inc.'s previously
filed Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-09165).

                                         /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois
March 27, 1998