Columbus, OH – All Aboard Ohio today released a detailed and conservative economic impact study of the expansion of passenger rail service between Ohio’s four largest metro areas that will contribute $106 million to $107 million to gross state product. After the initial investment, the corridor will continue to contribute $25 million to $47 million to gross state product per year from the economic impact of ridership.

The publication comes on the heels of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announcement of the award of 4 planning grants to advance the revival and expansion of intercity passenger rail service in the state of Ohio. All Aboard Ohio will give an in-depth presentation of the study’s findings as well as updates on the FRA process and next steps at each of the four major cities along the 3C+D corridor as part of their Whistle Stop Tour in January 2024.

FRA Announces Passenger Rail Grant Recipients:

• Cleveland-Columbus-Dayton-Cincinnati (including projected stops at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, Crestline, Delaware, Springfield, and Hamilton)

• Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit (including projected stops at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, Elyria and Sandusky)

• Chicago-Fort Wayne-Lima-Columbus-Pittsburgh (including projected stops at Kenton, Marysville, Dublin, Hilliard, Newark, and Coshocton)

• Increased service for the Daily Cardinal between New York and Chicago (including a stop in Cincinnati)

The planning grants are the first of three grant phases to determine the feasibility, environmental impacts, engineering needs, and construction of these corridors for either new service or expansion of service within an existing Amtrak corridor. The planning phase is entirely funded by the FRA. Subsequent grant rounds will require matching state funds of 10% and 20%.

Economic Impact Study

The All-Aboard Ohio-initiated study, completed by Columbus-based Scioto Analysis, was made possible thanks to a grant from the Blanca Hambleton Van Buskirk Fund at The Columbus Foundation and indicates significant, projected job and tax revenue benefits if the State of Ohio advances its plans to revive passenger rail service between Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, and several other communities along the route. Ohio is currently waiting on word on passenger rail corridor planning grant applications as a first step in expanding intercity connections on a half-dozen Ohio corridors. The 3C&D Corridor is among them.

The Scioto Analysis study reveals more investment benefits along the 3C&D Corridor:

• Investment in the 3C+D corridor will create 1,100 to 1,200 jobs, most in the construction industry. Revenue generated from the nine stations due to ridership will support 170 to 320 jobs every year, primarily in the transportation and warehousing industry and a range of other industries.

• Initial investment will generate $64 million to $66 million in new wages for workers across the country, raising $3.5 million to $3.7 million in state and local tax revenue.

• Ongoing ridership will generate $11 million to $21 million in new wages per year, leading to $600,000 to $1.2 million in annual tax revenue.

These results have also been localized to the four major Metro areas, and include the communities of Crestline, Delaware, Springfield, and Sharonville. The City of Hamilton is also a possible station stop and would be included in the Cincinnati MSA if it is ultimately chosen.

Whistle Stop Tour

to learn more about Passenger Rail’s Economic Impact Study and the Corridor ID join All Aboard Ohio coming to a town near you! The media is invited to attend the Whistle Stop Tour presentations. They will take place at the following dates, times, and locations:

• Dayton - January 11, 2024, at 1:00 pm, Dayton Metro Public Library, 215 E 3rd Street

• Cincinnati - January 17, 2024, at 1:00 pm, OKI Regional Council of Governments, 720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 420

• Columbus - January 24, 2024, at 1:00 pm, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORCP), 111 Liberty Street

• Cleveland – January 25th, at 1:30 pm, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), 1299 Superior Avenue

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All Aboard Ohio is a 501-C3 non-profit, member-based organization dedicated to promoting more and better intercity passenger rail service and public transit throughout the state. All Aboard Ohio supports the innovation and development of a balanced transportation system that provides viable mobility choices to all Ohioans.

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