CINCINNATI– A new report from the State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee (SAIPRC) to Congress provides a strong case for the economic and social benefits of state-supported passenger rail, offering a clear roadmap for how a state like Ohio can move forward with its own rail plans. While Ohio does not currently have any state-supported passenger rail services, the report’s findings are directly applicable to the state's proposed projects.

The SAIPRC report, titled "Economic Benefits of State-Supported Passenger Rail Services," outlines the success of state-supported routes across the country in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving quality of life. For Ohio, these findings come at a crucial time as proposals for new rail corridors, such as the 3C+D (Cleveland-Columbus-Dayton-Cincinnati) and the Midwest Connect (Chicago-Fort Wayne-Columbus-Pittsburgh), are advancing through the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Corridor ID program.

Case studies from other states in the report show how investments in passenger rail can be a catalyst for economic revitalization. For example:

• In Illinois, an $85 million public investment in the Bloomington-Normal Station generated over $175 million in private development nearby.

• The rebuilding of a station in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, with a $65 million public investment, has spurred an estimated $135 million in local private investments across 40 different projects.

• The new Borealis route, a partnership between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, generated over 150,000 passengers in its first 32 weeks, with a benefit-cost analysis projecting that the service would generate $2.44 in economic benefits for every $1 invested. This service also supports tourism in small towns like Red Wing, Minnesota, where businesses have reported increased foot traffic and sales.

  

  
  

These examples demonstrate the potential for Ohio's own planned rail corridors. A study commissioned by All Aboard Ohio projected that just the construction of the 3C+D line could create 1,100 jobs and add more than $100 million to Ohio's economy. Once operational, the line is expected to generate up to $47 million in annual economic impact.

The SAIPRC report also highlights the importance of state commitment. The report notes that states play a crucial role in planning, funding, and marketing their routes. This is particularly relevant for Ohio, where state support is a key factor in securing federal funding for projects. All Aboard Ohio continues to advocate for state leaders to prioritize passenger rail, align with neighboring states, and seize the historic opportunity presented by federal funding programs to build a modern, connected rail network for all Ohioans.