Since this work also benefits existing and future Amtrak service between Chicago - Toledo - Cleveland - New York City / Boston (via other Ohio station stops at Bryan, Sandusky & Elyria), I'm placing this article here.....

 

Passenger rail projects slated for spring

By Eric Anderson

Published 3:04 pm, Saturday, March 1, 2014

 

Construction work on several major passenger rail projects should get under way this spring, two Department of Transportation officials told members of the Empire State Passengers Association at its annual meeting Saturday.

 

Work on the second track connecting Albany and Schenectady, a fourth track at the Rensselaer train station, and preliminary track and platform work is expected to get under way this construction season, said Susan Andrews, rail projects group director for the state Department of Transportation. The projects will be let as one contract.

 

Also planned this season is an extension of the existing high-level platforms at Rensselaer that are level with the interior of the passenger cars, making the trains easier to board. And three crossings in Colonie will receive four-quadrant gates and other improvements.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Passenger-rail-projects-slated-for-spring-5280675.php

 

These projects have been moving at a subglacial pace. I was in New York state---Albany---and kept waiting in vain to see any sign of activity. Frustrating.

 

These projects have been moving at a subglacial pace. I was in New York state---Albany---and kept waiting in vain to see any sign of activity. Frustrating.

 

 

There is SOME progress however. The line between Albany and Schenectady (and probably on to Hoffmans) was resurfaced and new ties added last summer. You can (barely) see the bundles of ties along the right of way in this low-res video shot at Colonie, NY, midway between Albany and Schenectady......

 

These projects have been moving at a subglacial pace. I was in New York state---Albany---and kept waiting in vain to see any sign of activity. Frustrating.

 

 

There is SOME progress however. The line between Albany and Schenectady (and probably on to Hoffmans) was resurfaced and new ties added last summer. You can (barely) see the bundles of ties along the right of way in this low-res video shot at Colonie, NY, midway between Albany and Schenectady......

 

 

Those ties sat there most of the summer. I don't think they did anything until fall. Anyway, replacing existing ties does not count.  :-D

Those ties sat there most of the summer. I don't think they did anything until fall. Anyway, replacing existing ties does not count.  :-D

 

It is when the ride quality stinks (thanks to the deferred maintenance by CSX) and keeps passenger speeds at 90 mph or less. Having Amtrak take over this line not only means added tracks, but making sure the existing track is kept up to the highest standards for fast passenger rail service.

Those ties sat there most of the summer. I don't think they did anything until fall. Anyway, replacing existing ties does not count.  :-D

 

It is when the ride quality stinks (thanks to the deferred maintenance by CSX) and keeps passenger speeds at 90 mph or less. Having Amtrak take over this line not only means added tracks, but making sure the existing track is kept up to the highest standards for fast passenger rail service.

 

I know thaaaat. I wanna see new tracks!  :wink:

I know thaaaat. I wanna see new tracks!  :wink:

 

This rail project is your patience test. These tests can be worse, however.....

^ Hee hee...

 

I know thaaaat. I wanna see new tracks!  :wink:

 

This rail project is your patience test. These tests can be worse, however.....

 

I would have killed him!

Ohio in USAs 2nd largest #megaregions as big as UK but w/ bad #rail & #transit. Good rail would make us even stronger

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/jobs-and-economy/2014/03/dozen-regional-powerhouses-driving-us-economy/8575/

All aboard: Ohio promotes rail growth

Sandusky train station could get $4M upgrade

ANDY OURIEL

SANDUSKY

MAR 12, 2014

 

A partnership between four Ohio cities with Amtrak stops, including Sandusky, could place them on track to receive millions of federal dollars for station upgrades.

 

Ken Prendergast, the executive director for All Aboard Ohio, recently clued Erie County commissioners in about how Sandusky’s train station could receive up to $4 million for various improvements. All Aboard Ohio officials advocate for better transportation across the state.

 

The best chance to receive funds, however, revolves around government officials in the Amtrak zones of Sandusky, Elyria, Cleveland and Toledo banding together and jointly submitting a funding application, Prendergast said.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.sanduskyregister.com/article/5424711

_____________

 

If questioned on the subsidy issue, share this with them:

 

Amtrak covers 88% of costs from customers http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/778/373/Amtrak-Covers-88-Percent-of-Operating-Costs-ATK-13-022.pdf

 

Meanwhile taxpayers subsidize road use costs 50% http://taxfoundation.org/article/gasoline-taxes-and-user-fees-pay-only-half-state-local-road-spending

 

Share it far and wide.

Play connect the dots, er, peaks with rail!

 

Remember when this almost happened? Bullet trains for Ohio, 1980:

 

http://exhibits.clevelandhistory.org/items/show/2198

http://exhibits.clevelandhistory.org/items/show/2199

That was during a time when France wasn't a swear word.

That was during a time when France wasn't a swear word.

 

Just call them "Freedom Trains."

Remember when this almost happened? Bullet trains for Ohio, 1980:

 

http://exhibits.clevelandhistory.org/items/show/2198

http://exhibits.clevelandhistory.org/items/show/2199

 

All that bullet train talk was just that....talk. All it did was distract people and make some consultants wealthy. meanwhile, efforts to get conventional service went nowhere: "Why should we do anything with these old-fashioned trains when we can have the latest technology...someday." Someday never came for Ohio. This went on for a generation and helped poison the well for Ohio. Now people like KJP are carrying the torch by looking at solutions which will not involve the state government. I hope he succeeds.

 

WILL CONGESTED ROADS SLOW DOWN BUSINESS GROWTH?

By Kitty McConnell

Photos by Tim Johnson

From the April 2014 issue of Columbus CEO

 

After decades of big ideas and public studies, Columbus remains the largest city in the nation without passenger rail in its transit portfolio. As he has in every other annual address since at least 2006, Mayor Michael Coleman again called for more transportation options in his 2014 State of the City speech. His latest pitch calls for a study on a passenger rail line which would run from Downtown to Port Columbus.

 

Like his call for streetcars and intercity rail in 2006 and 2008, the mayor’s latest announcement generated buzz among Downtown advocates and young professionals. But after years of declaring the city “far too dependent on the automobile,” passenger rail remains an unrealized element in the otherwise successful private/public redevelopment charge led by Coleman since he took office in 2000.

 

“The mayor alone does not have the resources to make passenger rail a reality,” says Dan Williamson, the mayor’s spokesman. “While there is support for rail in many corners of the city, this alignment has not yet happened.”

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.columbusceo.com/content/stories/2014/04/will-congested-roads-slow-down-business-growth.html

^ Last week, Sandusky. This week, Elyria. And just because you don't see Toledo and Cleveland station projects in the news, doesn't mean there's nothing happening. This article below gets into some of that.....

 

Plans to use Lorain County Transportation Center as Amtrak rail stop

By Kaylee Remington, The Morning Journal

POSTED: 03/19/14, 11:20 PM EDT |

 

ELYRIA — Plans to use the Lorain County Transportation Center as a possible rail passenger stop is moving forward.

 

Lorain County Administrator Jim Cordes said March 19 that he has three firms that submitted proposals. Commissioners voted to accept qualification statements that were received for architectural and engineering services for the transportation center passenger platforms and pedestrian bridge project.

 

Cordes will negotiate a contract and get a package together.   

 

And Elyria Mayor Holly Brinda has been behind this project for some time to return passenger rail back to Elyria.

 

Brinda said the city will be applying for funds jointly with Cleveland, Sandusky and Toledo. The mayor said there’s a total of $55 million to $87 million that may be available from a high-speed and inner city passenger grant that is administered by the Federal Railroad Administration.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20140319/plans-to-use-lorain-county-transportation-center-as-amtrak-rail-stop

^ Last week, Sandusky. This week, Elyria. And just because you don't see Toledo and Cleveland station projects in the news, doesn't mean there's nothing happening. This article below gets into some of that.....

 

Is there any talk or plans of using the Elyria and Lakefront station to establish a daily commuter line?  It could go from Elyria, Hopkins (Brookpark), 117th/Madison, and Lakefront.  Would it garner more federal support if the stations had a dual purpose of both Amtrak and Regional rail?  I think Detroit is implementing something similar, no?

 

On a similar note, KJP, you mentioned before that if we put a train station at or near Hopkins how many connections it would have via all the flights.  Has there been any discussion about pursuing an Amtrak station there to really enhance the "Ohio Hub/Midwest Regional Rail/ORDC"?  If that were a possibility the lakefront station would not be necessary.  A lot of people complain that it is separated from downtown (even with a pedestrian bridge), you have to transfer on the rapid and request the stop. If it was at Hopkins its more accessible to the region, more long term parking, more space to create a larger station and for people wanting to get downtown they just hop on the red line.  A train station near Hopkins is a very exciting thought IMHO.

Is there any talk or plans of using the Elyria and Lakefront station to establish a daily commuter line?  It could go from Elyria, Hopkins (Brookpark), 117th/Madison, and Lakefront.  Would it garner more federal support if the stations had a dual purpose of both Amtrak and Regional rail?  I think Detroit is implementing something similar, no?

 

No plans at this time. The only commuter rail service from Lorain County into Cleveland that's seen any study is the West Shore Corridor. We need to get funding for transit in Lorain County -- Ohio's most populous without a dedicated funding source for public transit. So follow this effort and the West Shore Corridor at: https://www.facebook.com/ridewestshore

 

On a similar note, KJP, you mentioned before that if we put a train station at or near Hopkins how many connections it would have via all the flights.  Has there been any discussion about pursuing an Amtrak station there to really enhance the "Ohio Hub/Midwest Regional Rail/ORDC"?  If that were a possibility the lakefront station would not be necessary.  A lot of people complain that it is separated from downtown (even with a pedestrian bridge), you have to transfer on the rapid and request the stop. If it was at Hopkins its more accessible to the region, more long term parking, more space to create a larger station and for people wanting to get downtown they just hop on the red line.  A train station near Hopkins is a very exciting thought IMHO.

 

These kinds of planning decisions could be considered by a possible Tier 1 Environmental Impact Study for Detroit-Toledo-Cleveland. An issue is what route should be used for entering Cleveland from the west? One is the current 79 mph Amtrak route on Norfolk Southern's Chicago Line via Elyria and Hopkins Airport which is also heavily used by 70 freight trains per day. Adding multiple-daily passenger trains to this busy route would likely require construction of a third main track over the entire route. Alternatively, the other route for Detroit-Toledo-Cleveland trains would be the one studied for the West Shore commuter service via Lorain and Lakewood. This is a shorter route with only 1-4 freight trains per day and allows speeds of 55 mph for freight west of Westlake and 35 mph through Lakewood which has 27 at-grade crossings in five miles. This option would almost certainly save capital and operating costs when compared to the Elyria/Hopkins route, and my estimates are that travel times would be the same for either route. But the Hopkins Station is a big factor, as is the investment Lorain County is making into its Elyria station. Some difficult issues to consider. It's possible some expresses (like the existing Amtraks) could be routed via Lorain-Lakewood and locals routed via Hopkins-Elyria.

All we need is a new governor and a couple of these things and we can have the 3C corridor up and running by the time inter league play starts!

 

http://www.wimp.com/traintrack/

 

Redirected from "What other states are doing...."

 

I realize you made a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Track Laying Machines (TLMs), but I'm getting a surprising number of calls from people and media wondering "what if" Ed FitzGerald is elected as governor this fall. Would we see the 3C project restarted? Consider......

 

He (FitzGerald) also spoke in favor of the development of high-speed passenger rail in the state, saying the American economy is being beaten by foreign economies that made significant investments in passenger rail.

"The economy actually does better when we invest in these things."

http://www.sent-trib.com/front-page/fitzgerald-stumps-in-bg

 

So here is what I've said in response to inquiries about Kasich, FitzGerald and 3C Corridor.....

 

+ First, Kasich didn't give back the $400 million in 100% federal funds for 3C. The Federal Railroad Administration took it back after the election but while Strickland was still in office. The FRA was under pressure from the White House to push more of the High Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) funding out the door before the new GOP majority took over the House of Representatives in January 2011. So the FRA sent a letter to Strickland and ODOT asking them if it was likely the $400 million would be used by Ohio. Strickland said it was unlikely, and not just because of Kasich's election (more below). The FRA took the $400 million (actually $399 million of it) and reassigned it to other states that had previously made HSIPR applications.

 

+ Second, even if Strickland had beaten Kasich four years ago, we wouldn't have gotten 3C. Why? The State Controlling Board. You may remember that there was a big battle at the State Controlling Board in early 2010 on merely whether it should approve spending $15 million of the $400 million for the federally required planning necessary to use federal funds for 3C capital construction. As an aside, only $1 million of the $400 million was spent on 3C, producing an interesting report on the challenges facing the overall 3C Corridor travel market.

______________________

 

Under state law, the State Controlling Board which authorizes ALL purchases by the state is comprised of the following seven members:

 

1 governor's representative,

2 members from the majority party of the Ohio House,

2 members from the majority party of the Ohio Senate,

1 member from the minority party in the Ohio House, and

1 member from the minority party in the Ohio Senate.

 

And I can't emphasize this enough.... state law requires capital funding for rail projects to get a super-majority (5 of 7 votes) of controlling board members voting in the affirmative. Highway capital funding is NOT subject to this constraint. For highway construction contracts and for rail operating expenditures, those can be approved by the controlling board with a simple majority (4-3).

 

In 2010, the Ohio House still had a Democratic majority. Back then, the controlling board was comprised of Strickland's rep, three Democrats (2 from the House, 1 from the Senate) and three Republicans (2 from the Senate, 1 from the House). Thus, the 3C planning & design funding was applied for as an operating cost so they could get it approved by the controlling board, which they did by a 4-3 party-line vote. But the capital funding would NOT have gotten a 5-2 supermajority vote in the affirmative then. And it sure won't get it today or after the coming election -- even if FitzGerald wins. I don't think anyone expects the Ohio House and certainly not the Ohio Senate to lose their Republican majorities what with all the gerrymandering they've done and the vote-suppression efforts they seek in urban, Democratic precincts.

 

Here's the scariest part -- among Kasich and the GOP majority of the House and Senate, Kasich is the adult in the room. I firmly believe Kasich is guided by political constituencies. Many in the GOP majority are hard-core ideologues.

 

So forget about the state of Ohio until the five-member Ohio Apportionment Board gains a Democratic majority or the Ohio GOP isn't run by a bunch of right-wing extremists.

 

The only way Ohio can get passenger rail is for local and regional interests to work together and with other states. An interstate rail project like Columbus-Chicago falls under federal jurisdiction which supersedes state authority. Multi-jurisdictional initiatives are recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation and are eligible to receive federal funds. Unfortunately, the 3C Corridor is intrastate and thus the State of Ohio could assert jurisdiction -- unless 3C is pursued as part of a larger, interstate project.

 

The easiest way to get passenger rail to the 3C cities? Link Cincinnati to Chicago, Columbus to Chicago, and Cleveland to Chicago. Then someday when Ohio's government is more interested in investing in our state's future than keeping an Ozzie & Harriet Economy alive, we can connect the dots and link up the 3Cs with passenger trains -- a travel corridor with more city-pair trips than any of the three Chicago-based corridors I just noted.

The only way Ohio can get passenger rail is for local and regional interests to work together and with other states. An interstate rail project like Columbus-Chicago falls under federal jurisdiction which supersedes state authority. Multi-jurisdictional initiatives are recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation and are eligible to receive federal funds. Unfortunately, the 3C Corridor is intrastate and thus the State of Ohio could assert jurisdiction -- unless 3C is pursued as part of a larger, interstate project.

So we should be pushing for a 3C+Buffalo or 3C+Louisville route?

So we should be pushing for a 3C+Buffalo or 3C+Louisville route?

 

Or as a section of the Lake Shore Limited that splits off a train at Cleveland for Cincinnati. This was actually considered by Amtrak and ODOT in 1990. ODOT wasn't crazy about the idea as Amtrak asked Ohio to pay for costs east of Ohio that Ohio didn't think it should have to pay for. Also, ODOT wanted a second train on a counter-schedule, which led to a $60 million 3C proposal that the Ohio Rail Development Commission sought state capital budget dollars for in 1995. But Gov. Voinovich's Chief of Staff Paul Misfud (who later went to prison and since died) admonished ORDC as being "in outer space" for asking for capital money for passenger trains. So ORDC withdrew its funding request.

I know there's been inflation, but $60 million sounds like a pretty good deal to get a train everyday across the state. At a minimum that could be a good first step.

WILL CONGESTED ROADS SLOW DOWN BUSINESS GROWTH?

By Kitty McConnell

Photos by Tim Johnson

From the April 2014 issue of Columbus CEO

 

After decades of big ideas and public studies, Columbus remains the largest city in the nation without passenger rail in its transit portfolio. As he has in every other annual address since at least 2006, Mayor Michael Coleman again called for more transportation options in his 2014 State of the City speech. His latest pitch calls for a study on a passenger rail line which would run from Downtown to Port Columbus.

 

Like his call for streetcars and intercity rail in 2006 and 2008, the mayor’s latest announcement generated buzz among Downtown advocates and young professionals. But after years of declaring the city “far too dependent on the automobile,” passenger rail remains an unrealized element in the otherwise successful private/public redevelopment charge led by Coleman since he took office in 2000.

 

“The mayor alone does not have the resources to make passenger rail a reality,” says Dan Williamson, the mayor’s spokesman. “While there is support for rail in many corners of the city, this alignment has not yet happened.”

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.columbusceo.com/content/stories/2014/04/will-congested-roads-slow-down-business-growth.html

Reading this article I have a few questions regarding Cleveland and its growth.  Let me start by saying I am a huge rail advocate who is constantly looking at ways it can be expanded in NE Ohio, especially with a line from Cleveland to Akron by way of Macedonia,Hudson,Stow. And when I go to Cleveland (I live in Akron), I go out of my way to ride the Rapid.  This article states that if Columbus had rail it would reduce the need for parking downtown, reduce futue congestion and potentially parking could be turned into development (the second part I inferred from the part about Minneapolis building buildings and not parking lots).  Cleveland, for its size, has one of the more robust transit systems in the country, had a hub airport yet it has been mired in population loss or stagnation for decades. Columbus is the epitomy of sprawl, no trains, no hub airport, yet it continues to grow.  Maybe there is not a "one size fits all" solution for every city, but something doesn't add up.  Was it the corrupt county government for years? Was it lack of vision or capital investment? I am not smart enough or well connected to know the answer.  I keep reading everywhere how we need more rail across the country, and I agree and I want it too, but what we do have here in NE Ohio doesn't seem to be helping us...at least not yet, we are in a midst of a renaissance.  Just looking for more insight and critical thinking.

I know there's been inflation, but $60 million sounds like a pretty good deal to get a train everyday across the state. At a minimum that could be a good first step.

 

$60 million won't get you 3C passenger trains today, even with inflation. The reason is that freight rail traffic has increased dramatically on the 3C Corridor, especially since Conrail (which owned all the 3C tracks) was acquired by CSX and NS and split roughly equally between them. CSX added the most traffic -- using the northern 40-some miles of the 3C Corridor (between Berea and Greenwich) as part of its new Chicago-New York freight corridor. So while fewer than 20 trains a day used this segment under Conrail, it sees nearly 60 freight trains a day today. Also the portion through downtown Columbus and the rail corridor through Cincinnati's Mill Creek valley have seen dramatic increases in freight traffic since the 1990s.

 

Reading this article I have a few questions regarding Cleveland and its growth.  Let me start by saying I am a huge rail advocate who is constantly looking at ways it can be expanded in NE Ohio, especially with a line from Cleveland to Akron by way of Macedonia,Hudson,Stow. And when I go to Cleveland (I live in Akron), I go out of my way to ride the Rapid.  This article states that if Columbus had rail it would reduce the need for parking downtown, reduce futue congestion and potentially parking could be turned into development (the second part I inferred from the part about Minneapolis building buildings and not parking lots).  Cleveland, for its size, has one of the more robust transit systems in the country, had a hub airport yet it has been mired in population loss or stagnation for decades. Columbus is the epitomy of sprawl, no trains, no hub airport, yet it continues to grow.  Maybe there is not a "one size fits all" solution for every city, but something doesn't add up.  Was it the corrupt county government for years? Was it lack of vision or capital investment? I am not smart enough or well connected to know the answer.  I keep reading everywhere how we need more rail across the country, and I agree and I want it too, but what we do have here in NE Ohio doesn't seem to be helping us...at least not yet, we are in a midst of a renaissance.  Just looking for more insight and critical thinking.

 

That's a very broad discussion topic which is probably best left for another thread. In fact, it was recently discussed here....

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,1977.msg688268.html#msg688268

So we should be pushing for a 3C+Buffalo or 3C+Louisville route?

 

Or as a section of the Lake Shore Limited that splits off a train at Cleveland for Cincinnati. This was actually considered by Amtrak and ODOT in 1990. ODOT wasn't crazy about the idea as Amtrak asked Ohio to pay for costs east of Ohio that Ohio didn't think it should have to pay for. Also, ODOT wanted a second train on a counter-schedule, which led to a $60 million 3C proposal that the Ohio Rail Development Commission sought state capital budget dollars for in 1995. But Gov. Voinovich's Chief of Staff Paul Misfud (who later went to prison and since died) admonished ORDC as being "in outer space" for asking for capital money for passenger trains. So ORDC withdrew its funding request.

 

I remember that. Mifsud actually marched right in to a public ORDC Board meeting and threatened the jobs of everyone there. The mantra of the Voinovich Administration was to be freight rail ONLY. ODOT Director of Modes, John Platt, was also sacked for trying to live up to his job title. Mifsud was quite a bully. I took great satisfaction when he went to prison.

 

As far as 3-C goes, KJP is correct: The state of Ohio will be nowhere to be found for quite some time. Even if FitzGerald wins, there is no guarantee he'd be supportive and even if he was, ideologue Republicans in the gerrymandered legislature would stymie any progress. Then there's that 5-2 supermajority for the Controlling Board Republicans put in place. Fat chance getting that changed.

 

KJP also correctly points out the vastly increased freight traffic on the 3-C line, which means a much higher cost for startup. The only way I can see 3-C becoming a reality is for it to be tackled as a COMMUTER project. This opens the door to FTA funding and the 3-C can be tackled in stages: Cincinnati-Dayton-Springfield or Galion-Delaware-Columbus for example. It's not perfect, but it's a start and intercity services could be piggybacked on as commuter districts are extended to become Cincinnati-Dayton-Springfield-Columbus and Columbus-Delaware-Galion-Cleveland, since both are under the 135 mile limit for FTA projects. Road builders call this approach "segmenting."

 

 

 

Other county matters discussed in this article....

 

No solution on Lorain County adult probation relocation

By Kaylee Remington, The Morning Journal

POSTED: 04/02/14, 4:34 PM EDT |

 

In other business, the commissioners moved forward and entered into an agreement of Phase 1 with Richard L. Bowen & Associates Inc. of Cleveland to perform services for the County Transportation and Community Center. The amount, according to the commissioners’ agenda, is to not exceed $231,886 and reimbursable expenses should not exceed $8,240.

 

County Administrator Jim Cordes has said that the county is moving forward on a passenger rail platform and pedestrian bridge project.

 

The money that will be used will becoming from the Federal Transportation Administration, Williams said.

 

http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20140402/no-solution-on-lorain-county-adult-probation-relocation#.U0A-LqkuEao.email

 

Despite inadequate station facilities, inconvenient departure times and train delays caused by rail traffic congestion, Amtrak ridership at Northern Ohio stations grew 36-91 percent over the past five years. This is Cleveland’s lakefront station at dawn on July 13, 2013 as photographed by Mark Schwinn. Click for a larger image; when reprinting this photo, credit “All Aboard Ohio.”

 

Source document and imbedded links are at:

http://allaboardohio.org/2014/04/10/metro-planning-organizations-form-rail-alliance/

 

Metro planning organizations form rail alliance

May facilitate planning for traffic growth on Ohio’s busiest rail corridor

For Immediate Release

April 11, 2014

 

Ken Prendergast

Executive Director

All Aboard Ohio

[email protected]

(216) 288-4883

 

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) Board of Directors today passed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a “northern Ohio rail alliance” among three Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). Identically worded MOUs were recently approved by the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) and the Erie County Regional Planning Commission which includes Sandusky. MPOs administer federal transportation and air quality programs for their respective regions.

 

The alliance was sought in response to growing traffic along an east-west rail corridor that’s already one of the busiest in the nation. Seventy daily freight trains carry about 20,000 truckload equivalents and four daily passenger trains carry enough passengers to fill a dozen 737s per day. The Ohio Statewide Rail Plan of 2010 estimated that rail freight tonnage is expected to increase by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.6% until 2030.

 

Meanwhile passenger boardings have grown dramatically in the past five years at train stations in Cleveland (+38%), Elyria (+91%), Sandusky (+64%) and Toledo (+36) despite nocturnal Amtrak service. Even more rapid growth may be possible if the corridor was served by more passenger trains on faster schedules and at convenient daytime hours.

 

NOACA’s action was also in response to a federally funded public involvement process conducted by the Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium (NEOSCC) of which NOACA is a member. In NEOSCC’s recent released Vibrant NEO 2040 Vision, Vibrant NEO Initiative 5.4 recommends evaluating “the condition of all existing rail trackage and rail crossings to determine what investments would be necessary to bring substandard infrastructure up to standard for freight and passenger service.”

 

The MOU was passed to create a Multi-Jurisdictional Initiative – a framework recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation as a structure for megaregion planning. The megaregion, dubbed “Chi-Pitts”, ultimately stretches north and west to Detroit and Chicago. The Chi-Pitts megaregion is the second-largest in the United States with 42 million people and generates $2.3 trillion in annual economic output – equal to the world’s seventh-largest nation.

 

MOU language adopted for the northern Ohio rail alliance was borrowed from an existing, USDOT-recognized Multi-Jurisdictional Initiative called the Western High Speed Rail Alliance among transit agencies and MPOs across the Inter-Mountain West.

 

Concurrently, the Ohio Association of Regional Councils which represents MPOs throughout the state joined the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission (MIPRC) in March. The MIPRC is an 11-state compact comprised of state legislators, other state, and local officials, members of the private sector and the advocacy community. OARC joined MIPRC to enhance interstate cooperation and communication, as well as to strengthen Ohio’s voice in Midwest passenger rail policy issues.

 

“We are pleased to be working together with TMACOG and ERPC on this important issue,” said Grace Gallucci, NOACA executive director. “Northeast Ohio rail infrastructure needs to be upgraded and enhanced to meet the needs of both passengers and freight. The MOU approved today authorizes us to develop a strategy that will prove successful in securing a federal funding grant.”

 

“All Aboard Ohio is very grateful to NOACA, TMACOG and Erie County for joining together to consider further improvements to passenger and freight rail – the fastest-growing transportation modes in the 21st century,” said Ken Prendergast, executive director of the nonprofit association.

 

“The next steps are to identify additional partners in Ohio and adjoining states, develop a scope of planning work and secure funding for it. It’s an exciting time for Ohio’s cities which are seeing significant redevelopment. Enhancing rail infrastructure that already focuses on our urban cores is a cost-effective way of supporting their continued redevelopment,” Prendergast added.

 

END

NOACA's PR on today's action.......

 

http://www.noaca.org/index.aspx?page=32&recordid=2137&returnURL=%2findex.asp

 

NOACA inks agreement with Northeast Ohio planning agencies to create rail alliance

Posted Date: 4/11/2014 1:00 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, April 11, 2014

 

Media Contact:

Cheryl Onesky, Senior Communications Specialist, [email protected]

NOACA

1299 Superior Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44114-3204

 

 

NOACA inks agreement with Northern Ohio planning agencies to create rail alliance

 

Cleveland–Today, the Board of Directors of the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) and the Erie Regional Planning Commission (ERPC) to create a Northern Ohio rail alliance. This action will enable NOACA, TMACOG and ERPC to jointly apply for U.S. Department of Transportation funding grants specifically targeted for multimodal, multi-jurisdictional transportation projects. Plans are currently underway to improve the northern rail corridor, including upgrading passenger rail stations in Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria and Cleveland – the busiest stations in the State of Ohio. Federal funding support will help move these projects forward and address rapidly growing demand and safety issues in the corridor and at all four rail stations.

 

“We are pleased to be working together with TMACOG and ERPC on this important issue,” said Grace Gallucci, NOACA executive director. “Northeast Ohio rail infrastructure needs to be upgraded and enhanced to meet the needs of both passengers and freight. The MOU approved today authorizes us to develop a strategy that will prove successful in securing a federal funding grant.”

 

 

One possible source of funding for the project is a 2014 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) VI grant. The TIGER grant program emphasizes projects that support reliable, safe and affordable transportation options that improve connections in urban and rural jurisdictions. Additional funding may become available through the Federal Railroad Administration, returned by the State of Iowa from an unrealized rail project. Match funds could be contributed by Amtrak and local sources.

 

The project could also potentially receive funding assistance from the Ohio Turnpike Commission. “The Ohio Turnpike is an asset that all four cities share,” noted Gallucci. “One of the goals of the alliance is to link the turnpike to the Amtrak stations and make the corridor more intermodal, so that we can address freight issues as well as passenger facility improvements.”

 

“Strengthening Northeast Ohio’s rail corridor and expanding transportation options for our citizens will better connect our people, places and businesses and create more opportunities for employment and economic growth,” said Elyria Mayor Holly Brinda. “In the City of Elyria’s case, returning passenger rail will provide the added value of a revitalization tool for our historic downtown.”

 

Today’s NOACA Board action is applauded by All Aboard Ohio, a nonprofit transportation advocacy association. “All Aboard Ohio is very grateful to NOACA , TMACOG and ERPC for joining together to consider further improvements to passenger and freight rail – the fastest growing transportation modes in the 21st century, “ said Ken Prendergast, All Aboard’s executive director. “It’s an exciting time for Ohio’s cities which are seeing significant redevelopment. Enhancing rail infrastructure that already focuses on our urban cores is a cost-effective way of supporting their continued redevelopment.”

 

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is a transportation and environmental planning agency that represents state, county, city, village, and township officials in Greater Cleveland. NOACA addresses the transportation, air quality, and water quality needs of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties.The agency and its partners cooperatively develop and implement plans to ensure that travel throughout the region is safe, cost-effective and environmentally sound. NOACA’s vision is to STRENGTHEN regional cohesion, PRESERVE existing infrastructure, and BUILD a sustainable multimodal transportation system to SUPPORT economic development and ENHANCE quality of life in Northeast Ohio.

 

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^ This is fantastic news, especially when one considers that a certain amount of courage is required to buck the state of Ohio. Hurrah!

It's huge. I suspect many not realize this, due to the lack of response here and elsewhere. Here's a little media coverage of it (there also was an interview on WKSU but I can't find it).....

 

NOACA makes agreement for rail alliance

By Kaylee Remington, The Morning Journal

POSTED: 04/11/14, 5:12 PM EDT | 0 COMMENTS

 

CLEVELAND — The area has made another step in bringing passenger rail back to the community.

 

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency’s board of directors agreed to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments and the Erie Regional Planning Commission to create a northern Ohio rail alliance, according to a news release sent out April 11.

 

According to the release, this will allow the three entities to jointly apply for U.S. Department of Transportation grants that target multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional transportation projects.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20140411/noaca-makes-agreement-for-rail-alliance

I'll say it. I just straight up don't understand what it means. This is clearly a positive development, and I like the sound of rail alliance, and improving stations, etc. but I can't get my head around how that translates to me not having to take the train at 3am. That's the goal for me.

I find it pretty interesting, but I'd be more interested if it involved Southwest Ohio. :)

 

I find it encouraging that it provides a blueprint to bypass state BS.

I'll say it. I just straight up don't understand what it means. This is clearly a positive development, and I like the sound of rail alliance, and improving stations, etc. but I can't get my head around how that translates to me not having to take the train at 3am. That's the goal for me.

 

We modeled it after similar initiatives in states that had rail-hostile state governments in which local or regional governments joined together to raise funding for project development. These "Multi-Jurisdictional Initiatives" undertook federally compliant planning necessary before dirt can be turned for infrastructure improvements to provide for passenger rail services which also, at worst, do no harm to existing freight traffic and, at best, enhance freight rail services. For this specific Northern Ohio rail corridor, this alliance is needed to sponsor planning necessary to 1). reduce travel times, improve service reliability and enhance financial performance of existing passenger and freight rail services, and 2). provide the infrastructure capacity necessary for additional passenger rail services to Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria and Cleveland.

 

I find it pretty interesting, but I'd be more interested if it involved Southwest Ohio. :)

 

I find it encouraging that it provides a blueprint to bypass state BS.

 

And that's how it involves Southwest Ohio. It's a blueprint. In fact, Cincinnatians For Progress tweeted the news from Northern Ohio for that very reason -- because it can also be applied in developing Cincinnati-Indianapolis-Chicago passenger rail.

^Exactly

 

From talking with friends and coworkers, rail travel ranks right up with zeppelins for modes of travel. If Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati can establish one or two short commuter rail lines over the next 5-10 years, at least get it out in the minds of the public that rail exits and is not jut for wine dinners.

My suggestion to Mr. Foxx is to not try to predict the future because you'll probably be wrong. Rather, try to shape future according to your internal compass and you'll probably be right.

 

Thursday, April 17, 2014, 7:09am EDT

U.S. transportation leader predicts future of intercity rail in Cincinnati

Chris Wetterich

Cincinnati Business Courier

 

About 11 months ago, I wrote a cover story about the poor state of Amtrak service in Cincinnati and what it would take to improve it.

 

The situation in Ohio remains bleak given Gov. John Kasich’s 2011 decision to throw away $400 million in federal stimulus funds to restore intercity train service between Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland.

 

So I was curious to see what U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx would say about Amtrak service to Cincinnati when he was in town on Monday to visit the Siemens plant in Norwood, which just happens to make parts for the next generation of Amtrak passenger cars.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://m.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/morning_call/2014/04/u-s-transportation-leader-predicts-future-of.html?ana=e_cinci_rdup&s=newsletter&ed=2014-04-17&u=YhY%2FQfXAMCgNyFrEjw9v+w0e0d9800&t=1397739771&r=full

Another major breakthrough!

 

Lorain County receives $540,000 from ODOT for rail project

By Kaylee Remington, The Morning Journal

POSTED: 04/23/14, 11:28 PM EDT

 

ELYRIA — The Ohio Department of Transportation has given Lorain County $540,000 in toll credits for the rail project at the Lorain County Transportation Center, County Administrator Jim Cordes told the commissioners April 23.

 

Cordes said the county will have matching dollars. Amtrak already has dedicated $2.9 million for the project.

 

The county must work hard to bring its dollars back to fund projects, Cordes said during the meeting.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20140423/lorain-county-receives-540000-from-odot-for-rail-roject

^

 

This and the collaboration by northern Ohio MPO's are huge developments. I wonder if some people realize just how big they are. The use of turnpike money os precedent setting and the joint initiative by the MPO's shows that ODOT isn't the only game in town. Kudos to those that made these things happen.

Lots of embedded links at:

http://allaboardohio.org/2014/04/25/its-been-a-productive-year-of-ohio-passenger-rail-developments-so-far/

 

It’s been a productive year of Ohio passenger rail developments so far

April 25, 2014

 

It has been a busy and positive year so far when it comes to passenger rail development in Ohio. Let’s sum up what has happened in recent months…..

 

> Ohio is “back” in the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission after ODOT withdrew from it in 2013. MIPRC is a compact of states to foster communication, coordination and information-sharing among member states and other Midwest partners to promote growth and improvement of passenger rail services, particularly in and between the current member states. Ohio again has a voice in the commission thanks to the Ohio Association of Regional Councils joining MIPRC for three years.

 

OARC is comprised of Ohio’s metropolitan planning organizations which administer federal transportation and air quality programs in their metro-area jurisdictions. MIPRC will help coordinate interstate rail projects, including all Ohio routes to Chicago. MIPRC will also help advocate for Midwest federal funding requests for rail projects through its parent organization, the Council of State Governments. All Aboard Ohio urged OARC’s membership in MIPRC. Thanks to Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) Director Grace Gallucci for taking the lead on this initiative, and thanks to All Aboard Ohio Executive Director Ken Prendergast and AAO Cleveland Coordinator Marvin Ranaldson for approaching Mrs. Gallucci with the request.

 

> Three metropolitan planning organizations joined to form the Northern Ohio Rail Alliance. The Toledo Area Metropolitan Council of Governments (TMACOG), Erie County Regional Planning Commission (ECRPC), and NOACA signed an identically worded memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form the Alliance (also see next item in All Aboard Ohio’s blog). The Environmental Law & Policy Center developed the MOU by borrowing language from MOU’s that formed the Western High Speed Rail Alliance which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) as a “Multi-Jurisdictional Initiative” to address a specific issue in a megaregion. The Northern Ohio Rail Alliance will seek to develop rail transportation in the heart of the Chi-Pitts megaregion, the second-most productive megaregion in the United States.

 

The Western High Speed Rail Alliance, comprised of transit agencies and MPOs in the Intermountain West, received High Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) funding from the Federal Railroad Administration to conduct route planning and ridership estimating. The Northern Ohio Rail Alliance is following this precedent. All Aboard Ohio Vice Chairman Ken Sislak and Executive Director Ken Prendergast made presentations to Northern Corridor stakeholders earlier this year to provide information about creating the Alliance.

 

> ODOT and the Ohio Turnpike will be a partner in the Northern Corridor. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently sent a strong message by providing funding ($540,000) to help build Amtrak station facilities at the Lorain County Transportation Center in Elyria. This money is from a new funding source — $1.5 billion in toll credits administered by the Ohio Turnpike & Infrastructure Commission (OTIC), which is a part of ODOT. This is an important development as the presence of this funding source (for transportation projects related to the Turnpike) bodes well for the Northern Ohio Rail Alliance which seeks non-federal funding sources to leverage federal dollars for developing the Norfolk Southern Corp.-owned Toledo-Cleveland route segment which is part of a larger rail network.

 

The Elyria station is, by far, the most advanced station project. In the early 2000s, All Aboard Ohio successfully urged Lorain County to buy the historic New York Central RR depot and seek funding to renovate it for local & intercity bus and rail travelers. More than $7 million has invested in this project to renovate the building as a community asset, with offices, and for Lorain County Transit and Greyhound bus services. This was the first project sufficiently advanced in its development to apply for ODOT funds. It effectively determined ODOT’s willingness to support non-highway projects with Turnpike toll credits.

____________________________

 

Procurement of additional funding for more planning and development of the Northern Ohio rail corridor is underway. This is the ideal Ohio corridor to pursue this innovative approach to developing a rail corridor because of its existing passenger rail services, large and growing passenger and freight traffic levels, and the presence of a new, multimodal funding source in OTIC.

 

This parallel rail corridor hosts 20,000 daily truckload equivalents of freight and enough passengers to fill a dozen 737s every day. Four stations along the route have seen their ridership grow 36-91 percent over the past five years, yet are designed to process passengers from only one track. This forces four nightly passenger trains to slalom among 60-90 freight trains, thereby slowing rail traffic arrival times by up 80 minutes per day between Cleveland and Toledo. Freight traffic is likely impacted more severely but specific data is not available. Keeping this growing, heavy traffic flowing smoothly on the private sector-owned rails will prevent losing it to parallel roads and thereby reduce maintenance costs on these roads and their bridges. That is a strong justification for OTIC investments.

 

Other states are watching what we’re doing with great interest — especially neighboring states where the Ohio Association of Regional Councils will be able to capitalize on the coordination benefits offered by its new membership in the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission. In its long-range plans, Michigan DOT has long sought better passenger rail service to the east, and is very interested in looking at a Detroit-Toledo-Cleveland route.

 

Similarly, Indiana DOT has planned for and pursued development of a route linking Chicago-Fort Wayne-Toledo-Cleveland to augment the existing freight-congested route Amtrak uses via South Bend. A Chicago-Fort Wayne-Lima-Columbus route has advanced more quickly thanks to the leadership of the Northeast Indiana Passenger Rail Association, Lima Mayor David Berger and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. But what this shows is that interest is growing in a multi-route rail network. The Northern Ohio Rail Alliance offers a model for other parts of Ohio to help develop the rail network and partner with other states, railroads and the USDOT.

 

To learn more about these developments, please join us at Toledo’s National Train Day event at 11 a.m. May 3 for a presentation and panel discussion by All Aboard Ohio, Amtrak, the Midwest High Speed Rail Association, and the Ohio Higher Education Rail Network.  Also, please attend All Aboard Ohio’s Annual Meeting at 9:30 a.m. May 17 at the Golf Depot in Gahanna, OH (near Port Columbus Airport) to hear more about the Northern Ohio Rail Alliance and the Columbus-Fort Wayne-Chicago rail project. The latter will be the subject of a panel discussion by key stakeholders after lunch (provided).

 

Lastly, if you are not a member of All Aboard Ohio and would like to receive news and information from us by e-mail and our attractive newsletter, please JOIN US today! http://allaboardohio.org/join-us/

 

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IN-DOT receives four proposals to operate Hoosier State

5 hours ago  •  By Keith Benman [email protected], (219) 933-3326

 

The Indiana Department of Transportation has received four proposals to provide services for the Hoosier State Amtrak route between Chicago and Indianapolis.

 

The proposals were received in response to an open-ended request for proposals issued in early April by INDOT and seven communities that are helping subsidize the four-day per week Amtrak passenger train.

 

“It is exciting and interesting to receive four proposals that look at the Hoosier State passenger rail service in different ways,” said INDOT chief of staff Troy Woodruff. “This private sector interest opens the door for other states and regions that are supporting passenger rail service.”

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.nwitimes.com/business/transportation/amtrak-companies-submit-proposals-on-hoosier-state/article_2b9099c7-8673-5f1f-aba5-8a779a15025f.html

^ Important quote:

 

"INDOT was not divulging the contents of the proposals or even their thrusts on Monday."

^ Important quote:

 

"INDOT was not divulging the contents of the proposals or even their thrusts on Monday."

 

Nor should any public body receiving sealed bids that will ultimately to subject to further negotiation.

Just trying to save anyone from clicking who was hoping for details.

Just trying to save anyone from clicking who was hoping for details.

 

I was happy to hear the names of the bidders. That's the only thing the state must reveal from a sealed bid. Of the four, Herzog Transit Services is the most stable, reliable and experienced. I would feel very comfortable with them running this service. Iowa Pacific Holdings is a distant second. Their head honcho has made some very questionable management decisions in his life, going back to when he worked for Amtrak. The other two are run by good people but lack experience in operating a regularly scheduled intercity passenger rail service over multiple segments of Class I railroads.

5/15/2014

Rail News: Federal Legislation & Regulation

Biden visits Cleveland's transit agency to urge federal infrastructure spending

 

Vice President Joe Biden visited Cleveland yesterday to talk about transit rail and the need for Congress to pass a long-term bill to fund the nation's transportation infrastructure.

 

....Biden also highlighted federal investment in the improvement and renewal of transit-rail infrastructure at GCRTA's rail complex. His visit and the federal investment in GCRTA's transit-rail service prompted praise from Midwest High Speed Rail Association Executive Director Richard Harnish.

 

"Investment in upgrading railroads is a huge generator of jobs and revenue — so it's a linchpin of economic recovery in Ohio and all across the region," Harnish said in a press release.

 

The Cleveland rail complex would be an even greater asset if Amtrak were able to expand to daylight service from Cleveland to Chicago and New York City, Harnish said. The trains, which run between the two urban hubs, offer only late-night service at Cleveland, which limits its usefulness for business and recreational travel.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/federal_legislation_regulation/news/Biden-visits-Clevelands-transit-agency-to-urge-federal-infrastructure-spending--40452

Additional embedded links are at:

http://allaboardohio.org/2014/05/19/association-begins-cincy-chicago-rail-campaign/

 

 

Association begins Cincinnati-Chicago passenger rail campaign

admin on May 19, 2014

 

Following the election of Derek Bauman (E-mail or 513-262-0345) to the All Aboard Ohio board as Southwest Regional Director, the nonprofit educational association commenced a campaign to educate stakeholders on the benefits of improving rail infrastructure and passenger rail services between Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Lafayette and Chicago with proposed Ohio stops at Cincinnati Union Terminal, I-275 park-n-ride, Hamilton and Oxford. Mr. Bauman is co-chair of Cincinnatians for Progress which has been a strong backer of local public transit, including the streetcar in Cincinnati.

 

“All Aboard Ohio is happy to have Mr. Bauman on board to help move our Cincinnati-Chicago campaign forward,” said Ken Prendergast, Executive Director of All Aboard Ohio. “His interest and experience in economic development and transportation made him a natural to help lead this campaign in Southwest Ohio to improve train services to Chicago from the current Amtrak service which is slow, nocturnal and runs only thrice weekly. Car, bus and plane travel may never offer faster or less expensive service than what they offer now, while passenger rail service is only getting faster, more convenient, and cost-effective between many Midwestern cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit and Milwaukee. Cincinnati needs to be part of this progress to remain economically competitive.”

 

Some parts of Ohio aren’t being left out. Development projects are emerging for new passenger rail service between Columbus-Lima-Fort Wayne-Chicago and faster, improved rail services linking Cleveland-Toledo-Chicago.

 

“I am honored and excited to be elected the Southwest Ohio Director for All Aboard Ohio at this crucial time for rail transit in our state,” Mr. Bauman said. “Across the country we see rail ridership reaching record numbers, vehicle miles-traveled dropping and a desire from everyone from Millennials to Empty-Nesters to be able to connect and travel via transit. I look forward to joining elected officials, business leaders and citizens groups across Ohio in implementing and expanding sensible rail transportation projects which will drive economic development, job creation, and a reduced reliance on an overburdened roadway system and fossil fuels.”

 

All Aboard Ohio’s long-term goal is to achieve 4-8 daily trains in each direction between Chicago and Cincinnati cruising at 110 mph speeds and offering a travel time of four hours from downtown Cincinnati and downtown Chicago. This is competitive with air travel, especially when a suburban park-n-ride station is offered in the vicinity of I-275. Since a long journey starts with a first step, All Aboard Ohio believes the following should be first step for Cincinnati-Chicago:

 

+ Extend the existing Chicago-Indianapolis “Hoosier State” train service to Cincinnati to provide daytime service over this route with Ohio station stops at Cincinnati Union Terminal, I-275 park-n-ride, Hamilton and Oxford;

+ Increase from thrice-weekly to daily the Amtrak “Cardinal” (Chicago-Cincinnati-Washington-New York City) to improve its operating performance by 31%;

+ Reduce passenger travel times between Cincinnati and Chicago by up to 2 hours, including enhanced grade crossing safety between Hamilton-Indianapolis.

+ Make rail traffic capacity improvements in Cincinnati’s Mill Creek valley to improve traffic flow for more than 100 freight trains or 30,000 truckload equivalents per day.

+ Projected capital costs for this Phase 1 service improvement are estimated at $40 million.

 

Over the long term,  the goal is to provide frequent passenger rail service at 110 mph between Cincinnati-Chicago. The Midwest Regional Rail Initiative (MWRRI) is moving forward in many other states, boosted by studies that show fast passenger trains in the Midwest (an economic powerhouse that would rank it as the 7th-most productive nation in the world) are producing significant ridership, revenues and economic benefits for communities and businesses in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and other states. All Aboard Ohio urges communities along the Cincinnati-Chicago route to come together to update MWRRI studies and formulate a business plan for developing this rail corridor.

 

The Cincinnati-Chicago travel corridor has a population of more than 15 million residents within 20 miles of the existing passenger train tracks. There are also many Fortune 500 corporations and dozens of universities and colleges. Plus, there are several commercial airports within a mile of the tracks where intermodal stations can be built and connected to air terminals via shuttle bus, people mover or even a moving walkway. Studies would identify major ridership sources, potential routing alternatives, passenger schedules, service amenities and capital investments necessary to maximize benefits for existing and future freight customers.

 

Lastly, All Aboard Ohio’s campaign includes a special promotion of a $5 membership fee for new members. Benefits include receiving a newspaper-format version of our quarterly Ohio Passenger Rail News, e-mails as-needed regarding important news and events, and your support will help the continuance of our informative Twitter and Facebook pages.

 

$5 per person to join All Aboard Ohio

http://tinyurl.com/qy3pqrm

Really? No reactions to this yet? Guess I'll have to create a new topic so people can find it more easily.

$40 million sounds really cheap for this level of improvement. How do we get the ball rolling?  Is there a kick starter campaign or something?

This would be great.

 

Improvements between CUT and Sharonville could also help make Cincy-Dayton commuter rail possible and be utilized one day by 3-C rail to C-bus and Cleveland.

 

 

I drive to Chi all the time. I would def. do this if it only took 4 hours...