Companies

Companies are chosen at the beginning of the game and each offers a special benefit. You cannot change the company in the course of the storyline.

List
The increased initial funding is welcome and can be used for general expenses. It is, however, the least valuable in raw dollar terms.
 * Pickett Railroads (Benjamin Pickett): +$10 000 at mission start

A good initial bonus, allowing you to instantly start running connections. In raw dollar terms, it's the middle bonus, since even the cheapest locomotive costs a flat $14 000 dollars. Choosing this company will instantly free up funds for investments in the company office, however.
 * Cain Eastern Railway (Alfred Cain): +1 locomotive at mission start

The most beneficial long-term bonus that reduces all track laying by a flat amount. As soon as you lay $150 000 worth of tracks, it gives the most monetary value.
 * Harrington's Railroad (Alvin Harrington): -10% railroad laying costs