In the golden age of American travel, Ohio was a vital crossroads, and the rails were its arteries. A shining example of this era was the magnificent Ohio State Limited. As a prized asset of the New York Central Railroad's prestigious "Great Steel Fleet," this train was a symbol of modern luxury and connection. From its inaugural run on April 27, 1924, the OSL offered a "bevy of top accommodations," including Pullman sleeping cars and full dining service, on its daily journey between Cincinnati and New York City.

Crucially, the train's path through the Buckeye State was made possible by a legendary Ohio-based network: the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway, a subsidiary famously known as the "Big Four". This historic railway formed the backbone of inter-city travel, proving early on the immense value of connecting our state's major economic hubs.

A New Journey for a New Day

Today, the spirit of the "Big Four" is being reimagined for a new era of travel. The proposed 3C+D corridor is the modern heir to this legacy, taking the grand vision of the past and adapting it for the rhythm of 21st-century life. The Ohio State Limited was a long-distance, overnight service designed for a journey that spanned days, with afternoon departures and morning arrivals.

The 3C+D, by contrast, is a daytime connector. With a plan for three or more daily departures in each direction, it's not a once-in-a-while trip; it's an everyday transportation network. This modern service model is built for how we live and work now. Imagine gliding between Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati at 70 miles per hour, turning travel time into productive work time with onboard Wi-Fi or simply relaxing and enjoying the journey. You'll arrive in the heart of the city, energized and ready to go, without ever worrying about traffic or parking.

The 3C+D corridor proves that the future of travel in Ohio is not about leaving our history behind, but about building upon its strongest foundations, and tracks. It’s a commitment to a faster, more resilient, and more connected future for all Ohioans.