Discussion held about future of passenger rail in central Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission held a discussion Tuesday about the future of passenger rail in central Ohio.

The executive director of MORPC, William Murdock, called this a transformative project that could not only bring Ohio to the forefront of rail transportation but also bring about significant economic impact.   

“We're talking about lines that will connect us to Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland and the business community met today to rally around this project because we know it's important for people's daily lives,” Murdock said. “It's also important for economic development.” 

The round table discussion highlighted how Central Ohio could usher in a new form of transportation for the state through passenger rail. Columbus is the largest Midwest city without a major rail system. Former U.S. Secretary of transportation, Ray LaHood noted it will take both federal funding and private-sector partnerships to make this project achievable. But long-term, Ohioans could benefit from more jobs.   

“Look at the interstate system, look at all of the businesses that are all along, not just gas stations, that are all along the interstate system all over America,” LaHood said. “Those are jobs, they're good paying jobs, they're jobs that people want. That's what the rail system in central Ohio will bring.” 

Leaders say central Ohio is currently in the federal pipeline for this process, and the next step is the service development plan. It's a phase that will determine routes, station planning, and how fast the train will go.   

“We know people are excited about this. We did a regional survey last year. 90% of central Ohioans, rural, urban, suburban, they said they wanted this.” 

Murdock also explained they are conducting studies over the next two years that will answer the question on whether the project can move forward.