3C&D - Cleveland-Columbus-Dayton-Cincinnati
Proposed, Corridor ID Program
Connecting the biggest population centers in Ohio - multiple times a day
Overview:
The 3C&D Corridor is a proposed passenger rail line designed to reconnect Ohio’s largest cities—Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati—through reliable, modern rail service. Ohio was built on rail, with its cities once serving as critical hubs in the nation’s transportation network. These metropolitan areas collectively represent more than seven million people, yet today, the state lacks an intercity passenger rail system linking these economic and cultural centers.
This initiative will restore vital rail connections, enhance workforce mobility, expand access to education and commerce, and position Cleveland and Cincinnati as multimodal transportation hubs. Led by Amtrak and the Ohio Rail Development Commission, the 3C&D Corridor represents a strategic investment in Ohio’s infrastructure, strengthening regional connectivity and fostering long-term economic growth.
New Services and Proposed Stations:
The initial 3C+D Corridor proposal includes three daily round trips connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. Trains will operate on existing rail infrastructure, utilizing a combination of established and newly developed stations. The route is designed to provide direct access to major universities, cultural destinations, and population centers while integrating with local transit networks, including Cleveland’s RTA, Columbus’ COTA, and Cincinnati’s Metro.
Proposed station stops along the corridor include:
Cleveland (Downtown)
Cleveland Hopkins Airport
Crestline
Delaware
Columbus (Downtown)
Springfield
Dayton
Cincinnati (Downtown)
Community Support and Economic Impact:
The 3C+D Corridor is expected to generate an annual economic impact of $130 million, with an estimated one-time capital investment of $2.6 billion. By restoring intercity rail service, the project will provide Ohioans with a faster, more efficient alternative to highway travel, reducing congestion along the I-71 corridor. Additionally, this initiative will support students, faculty, and families by improving access to Ohio’s higher education institutions and strengthening economic ties between the state ’s largest metropolitan areas.
The project has received widespread support from all cities with proposed stations, all regional chambers of commerce, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and all regional metropolitan planning organizations. It also benefits from strong bipartisan political backing and support from a majority of Ohioans.
Key Benefits of the 3C&D Corridor
Restoring passenger rail to Columbus, the largest U.S. city currently without Amtrak service
Expanding mobility for university students by linking major campuses with their hometowns and job markets
Enhancing access to major events, including sporting events, concerts, and conventions across the state
Alleviating highway congestion, particularly on I-71, by offering a reliable, efficient rail alternative
All Aboard Ohio has been instrumental in the coordination of local, regional and state leaders to create this proposal.
Read our economic impact study here: https://www.allaboardohio.org/economicimpactstudy
