ODOT survey shows nearly 80% of Ohioans support passenger rail and transit investments, but the State Rail Plan prioritizes freight over expansion.

COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) has released its updated State Rail Plan, outlining the state’s priorities for freight and passenger rail. The plan is a federally required document, updated every four years, that states must maintain in order to remain eligible for federal rail funding opportunities such as the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor ID program. While All Aboard Ohio welcomes the attention to long-term planning, the plan downplays Ohio’s potential for expanded passenger rail, putting it at odds with what Ohioans say they want.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation’s 2024 Transportation Preference Survey, conducted by the nationally recognized ETC Institute, nearly four in five Ohioans (78.4%) say enhancing the rail network is important or very important. Public transit drew similar support, with 80.3% rating improvements as important or higher. These findings highlight widespread statewide demand for rail and transit options, not only in urban centers but throughout regions.

“All across Ohio, people are asking for better mobility options. They want passenger trains that connect communities and provide alternatives to driving,” said John Esterly, Executive Director of All Aboard Ohio. “Yet the new State Rail Plan largely sidesteps this public demand. Instead of presenting a bold path forward, it positions passenger rail as a secondary consideration. That disconnect should concern Ohio leaders.”

The survey results emphasize what advocates have long stated: rail and transit investments are about more than just mobility; they are key to economic growth, resiliency, attracting workers, and enhancing quality of life.

Esterly continued: “We appreciate ORDC’s efforts to maintain Ohio’s rail infrastructure, but plans must reflect the priorities of Ohioans themselves. With historic levels of federal rail funding on the table, this is the moment to move beyond symbolic planning and commit to real passenger rail expansion. The public wants it, and Ohio deserves it.”

This discussion is especially urgent as Ohio’s three active passenger rail corridor proposals (3C+D - Cleveland-Columbus-Dayton-Cincinnati; Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit; and Midwest Connect - Chicago-Fort Wayne-Columbus-Pittsburgh) are advancing through the FRA’s Corridor ID program. Step two of that process is where detailed planning and design work happens, but recent budget cuts by the Ohio legislature have left ORDC underfunded, placing the future of these projects at risk.

All Aboard Ohio calls on state leaders to use the Rail Plan as a starting point, but to go further by prioritizing new passenger rail corridors, restoring intercity service, and ensuring Ohio competes for the unprecedented federal funding opportunities now available.

The ORDC Board is scheduled to vote on the State Rail Plan at its next public meeting on Thursday, September 18, at 11:00 a.m. at 1970 West Broad Street in Columbus. Members of the public are encouraged to attend either in person or online via Zoom to provide comments.

“The public’s voice is clear,” Esterly said. “It’s time for our state’s actions to catch up.”