Passenger rail is more than just a way to travel; it's a vital economic catalyst, and in Ohio, Amtrak's presence generates significant benefits for communities and businesses.

Fueling the Local Economy

New data show's Amtrak's spending directly injects millions of dollars into Ohio's economy. In fiscal year 2024, Amtrak spent over $39 million with local vendors in the state. This spending supports a diverse range of 113 local vendors who are part of Amtrak's nationwide supply chain. A substantial portion of this investment went toward construction services.

This investment extends to employment as well. Amtrak directly employed 51 people in Ohio in FY 2024, paying out over $4.5 million in base wages and salaries. Amtrak's national network also supports thousands more private sector jobs through construction, operations, and procurement.

Revitalizing Infrastructure and Accessibility

Amtrak is committed to modernizing its infrastructure and ensuring accessibility. A key part of this is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Stations Program (ADASP), which is designed to make stations accessible to individuals with disabilities. In Ohio, Amtrak is targeting a $25.7 million investment through this program. The work at Alliance is complete, while other stations like Bryan, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Elyria have target completion dates in FY 2025 or FY 2027.

Growing Ridership and Future Connections

In FY 2024, Ohio saw 142,689 total passenger boardings and alightings. Three permanent routes serve the state: the Capitol Limited, the Cardinal, and the Lake Shore Limited. Additionally, Amtrak's national network connects rural towns and major metro areas, serving 46 states and parts of Canada, and is often the only rail option for many communities. The company also operates partner-run Thruway bus connections, which are crucial for linking to additional communities.

The growth in passenger rail demand is reflected in record ridership numbers. Nationwide, Amtrak recorded 32.8 million trips in FY 2024, the highest in its history. This record ridership, coupled with unprecedented investments in infrastructure and new train fleets like the NextGen Acela and Amtrak Airo, proves that passenger rail is a lifeline for communities and an engine for economic growth.