One of our members recently came across a remarkable photo and rare footage of the Amtrak 3C Test Train, which was passing through Butler County on March 20th, 1992. The train was serving as a demonstration of what passenger rail could operate like in Ohio. This documentation gives us a very rare look at what truly could have been and also what Ohioans have desperately wanted for decades.

Ohioans Wanted Passenger Rail Then – They Want It Even More Today

If the 1992 test run represented hope, then the data we have today could represent urgency. Recent statewide studies show that transportation surveys are showing overwhelming public support for modern passenger rail. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation’s 2024 transportation preference survey, 78.4% of  Ohioans say improving the states’ rail network is important or greater. With more than one third calling it extremely important. This trend aligns with what All Aboard Ohio has witnessed for decades: Ohioans are consistently expressing overwhelming support for rail options that connect cities, their surrounding areas, and expand mobility options.

Project Momentum Keeps Building

Today, many routes are under study through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development (ID) Program including the revitalized 3C + D Corridor (Cleveland – Columbus – Dayton – Cincinnati). Several political and funding barriers continue to slow down the progress, however public interest has yet to lessen. In fact, Ohio is now closer to passenger rail than it has been in decades.

Why This Photo Matters Now

The 3C Test Train photo is more than just nostalgia; it's evidence of just how long Ohioans have been pushing for the same vision. Three decades later, this Corridor remains unserved even though it is one of the most logical and high demanding  passenger rail routes in our nation. Ohioans still believe in this vision.

• They want safe, affordable mobility for all ages and abilities.

• They want connections between major economic and educational centers.

• They want more resilient and effective transportation options.

The demand has never gone away, but instead it has increased tremendously.

A Reminder and Call to Action

The rediscovered 1992 3C test train reminds us that Ohioans has come very close before and with the support today – Almost 80 percent of Ohioans – we cannot afford to let another opportunity pass us by. Ohio is close to restoring passenger rail, but public pressure is extremely important to keep our law makers engaged and to further ensure that these projects continue moving forward. Now is the time for Ohioans to speak up, stay involved and consistently advocate for the modern, connected rail system that our state has greatly needed for decades.