Ohio “High Speed Rail” //
The Ohio Hub high-speed rail system is a system of proposed routes containing 864 miles in four segments with a hub in Cleveland, Ohio, and spokes connecting to Cincinnati, via Columbus; Toronto, CA, via Buffalo, NY; Pittsburgh, PA, via Youngstown; and Detroit, MI, via Toledo. The Ohio Hub high-speed rail system is based on incremental improvements to existing freight railroad rights-of-way, with maximum train speeds projected to be up to 110 mph. Development of high-speed intercity passenger rail in the Ohio Hub system had progressed to the point of receiving a $400 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to implement rail service on the Cleveland to Cincinnati segment; however, the project was canceled in 2010.
After millions spent on feasibility studies dating back to the mid-70’s, Ohio Governor, the freshly elected John Kasich, declined $400 million in federal funding specifically earmarked for passenger rail that would’ve provided service between Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. More importantly, it would’ve jump started passenger work in Columbus, which remains without passenger service today through Amtrak (for now) or otherwise. Mr. Kasich then turned around and asked if he could use the money on fixing road infrastructure.
Funnily enough, a congresswoman from New York, Louise Slaughter, even cheered the decision, saying, "If other states don't want their high-speed rail money, New York will take it because we understand that high-speed rail is an essential element to our transportation system and a good rail system is an important element of our national security.”
Amtrak’s plans for a 3-C connection can’t come soon enough. Ohio’s passenger rail future remains shaky at best, as one of the worst run state governments in the US throws itself at spending billions on unprofitable highway loans. Almost half of Ohio’s rail and dozens of stations remain abandoned. As of 2020, Ohio’s transit grade is a D.
