Amtrak Unveils Priority Routes Across Ohio, Including Columbus, Securing Federal Funding Boost

Transportation enthusiasts in Ohio are celebrating a significant development as the federal government designates four Ohio routes as "priorities for Amtrak expansion." U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown shared the news, revealing that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration is allocating $500,000 to each of these corridors. This funding, sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signals a promising step forward for improved rail connectivity in the region. What's even more encouraging is that these corridors are set to enjoy priority status in upcoming funding competitions, as per Senator Brown's announcement.

Among the four identified routes, two traverse through Central Ohio, namely the Cleveland-Columbus-Cincinnati-Dayton Corridor (3C+D) and the Midwest Connect (Chicago-Fort Wayne-Columbus-Pittsburgh), according to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC).

In addition to these, there's a new route connecting Cleveland to Toledo to Detroit, and increased service frequency on Amtrak's existing route to Cincinnati between New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. This network spans the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.

MORPC, actively engaged in rail service initiatives for the past two years, played a crucial role in this achievement. Ohio mayors and planning agencies lent their support last year by sending letters of intent to the Federal Railroad Administration in favor of these vital routes.

Mayor Andrew Ginther expressed the potential impact of this development on the region, stating, “The success of our region is dependent on our next steps in transit. Being able to study passenger rail service both within Ohio and a Midwest connection between Chicago and Pittsburgh through Columbus is a game changer in workforce, housing, sustainability and much more.”

Governor Mike DeWine is also backing the efforts to secure the $500,000 planning grants, emphasizing the need to address additional questions before the state commits funds. Importantly, no state money is currently required for these planning grants.

Columbus, which hasn't had passenger rail service since 1979, is poised for a potential comeback. The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority is already in the planning stages for a two-level station at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, anticipating the return of passenger rail service to the city. This promising development marks a significant stride toward enhancing transportation infrastructure and connectivity in Ohio.

Source: Biz Journals - Columbus