Central Ohio Pursues Return of Passenger Rail After Decades-Long Absence
Central Ohio is taking notable steps toward bringing back passenger rail service, nearly half a century after Amtrak ceased operations in the city. the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is leading the charge, committing $650,000 to the “Midwest Connect” project, a proposed rail corridor linking Chicago and Pittsburgh.
This new route aims to reconnect major Midwestern cities, with planned stops in Columbus and Fort Wayne, Indiana. MORPC is collaborating with Fort Wayne and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission on the initiative, viewing the financial commitment as crucial for advancing to the next phase of the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor ID Program.
The effort is gaining momentum with additional financial support from surrounding communities. Hilliard has contributed $50,000, and other Ohio cities are collectively adding another $400,000 to the funding pool. Columbus city officials have already begun preliminary planning, identifying potential transit hub locations near the I-270/Britton Parkway interchange and along Brown Park Drive.
The current phase of the FRA program focuses on detailed route and station planning to maximize the region’s chances of securing future federal funding. The FRA is currently evaluating four potential routes, including the “3C&D” option, which woudl establish a rail line connecting Cleveland, Columbus, dayton, and Cincinnati.
columbus is currently the largest city in the United States without access to passenger rail. Amtrak last served the city in 1979, following the discontinuation of service at the former Union Station – now the Greater Columbus Convention Center – in 1977.
Local leaders emphasize that restoring passenger rail is a strategic investment in the region’s future, supporting increased mobility, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. This initiative is particularly timely as Central Ohio’s population is projected to reach 3 million by 2050, increasing the demand for diverse transportation options.