As a Cincinnatian, my encounters with passenger rail are limited, often to catching the streetcar that runs through downtown or the rare sight of a very delayed Cardinal crossing the Ohio River. Because of that, I’m always looking for new rail-related experiences whenever the opportunity arises. Fortunately, I got one early last summer.

An All Aboard Ohio member provides an interesting comparison between the Bay Area and Ohio's transportation infrastructure, focused on trains.

In December the Federal Railroad Administration announced updates to the Corridor ID program. These updates tailor next steps of the program towards the complexity of projects to smooth the ability to receive approvals and confidence from the federal government. This impacts routes in Ohio like those through Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo.

The Streamline Transit Act cuts federal red tape, allowing Ohio to fast-track rail NEPA reviews like highways. This could save years and millions on projects like a Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland rail corridor.

Every December, trains circle our trees and fill our stories with wonder. But outside the glow of the season, they vanish from daily life. What do our holiday traditions reveal about longing, connection, and the future of passenger rail in Ohio?