Expanded passenger rail service proposed

The Federal Railroad Administration has approved an application for East Central Ohio to be part of the Corridor Identification and Development Program, a planning and development program that will help to guide intercity passenger rail development throughout the country and create a pipeline of projects to support future service.

The application, submitted by the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, will provide $500,000 to expand passenger rail service on the Midwest Connect Corridor linking Chicago to Pittsburgh. The proposed corridor would follow the existing railway through Coshocton, Newcomerstown, Dennison and points east.

As outlined in OMEGA’s 2020 Transportation and Development Plan: Inclusivity of all modes of transportation should be considered. Incorporation of alternative modes of transportation allows for people to reduce their dependence on privately owned automobiles. It also allows for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, reduces dependence on oil and reduces the wear on transportation assets. Additional consideration should be given to projects that benefit senior citizens and people with disabilities or limited mobility.

Expanded passenger rail service would connect the OMEGA region to two growing metropolitan areas in Columbus and Pittsburgh and cities beyond. This will enable more people to access business, leisure and specialized medical opportunities without the need for lengthy trips by private automobiles.

“A robust, multimodal transportation network will allow residents living in the OMEGA region to enjoy their idyllic small-town lifestyle, age in place, and enable more residents to travel safely between their hometown and the larger metro areas,” said Kevin Buettner, OMEGA transportation director and Rail Passengers Association board member.

The Corridor ID process is designed to lead more directly to actionable projects. The process will identify specific needs along the corridors and propose strategies and solutions amenable to bringing passenger rail to the region. The Corridor ID Program will allow partners to understand how freight and passenger rail can work together in Ohio and the surrounding states. Service development planning will show what improvements need to be made along each corridor in such a way that upgrades will ensure the safety and productivity of all users on the rail network, as well as the traveling public.

“The collaboration of the DeWine-Husted administration and all impacted MPOs/RTPOs demonstrates the importance of a safe transportation network benefiting our state and region,” Buettner said.

OMEGA will collaborate with the Federal Railroad Administration, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, the City of Fort Wayne and other regional planning partners to develop a plan.