Passenger rail is returning to Columbus! Learn about MORPC's plans to begin the design phase for a new passenger rail station at the Columbus Convention Center as early as 2027. Discover how this modern, multimodal hub will reconnect Central Ohio to the national network.

View exclusive photos of the new Amtrak trains. Explore concept pictures of the upcoming long-distance fleet, including modern seating, sleeper rooms, and dining.

“The Ohio Rail Summit reflects how the conversation has changed,” said Mitch Radakovich, Board Chair for All Aboard Ohio. “Passenger rail in Ohio is no longer a niche issue. It is part of a broader discussion about mobility, infrastructure, and regional connectivity, and it requires a forum that brings those voices together.”

The Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission (MIPRC) has secured a $1.84 million federal CRISI grant to launch Invest Midwest, a comprehensive passenger rail planning initiative. However, Ohio remains excluded from this regional network development after state legislators removed a $25,000 membership appropriation from the 2026-2027 budget, leaving the state without a seat at the table as neighboring states map out the future of Midwest transit.

A realistic, updated timeline on when passengers will finally see the aging long-distance fleet replaced with modern equipment. This will impact trains in Cincinnati, Toledo, and Cleveland