3-C Rail Line to Link Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati - AARP Bulletin

Ohio 3-C Railroad on Track

The commuter train whistle can almost be heard linking Cleveland Columbus and Cincinnati

When Marilyn Carlson imagines visiting her niece in Columbus, she pictures boarding a train in Cleveland, socializing with fellow passengers, snacking in the food car—and independence. Her reality is different. “My husband drives me or I don’t go,” said the 58-year-old Bay Village resident who recently experienced a partial vision loss. Carlson belongs to a growing group of Ohioans who support the restoration of passenger rail between the state’s largest cities—Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. Passenger service along the 3-C Corridor disappeared nearly 30 years ago, but Ohio is pursuing a $250 million federal grant for its return. That money would cover track and signal improvements as well as the lease or purchase of passenger cars and locomotives. Cities will have to find the money to build and/or renovate stations. “I don’t think we’ve ever been as close to getting passenger rail back as we are now,” said Stu Nicholson, spokesman. With $8 billion in federal stimulus money available for rail projects and Ohio’s governor and legislature behind the proposal, Nicholson can almost hear the train whistles blowing. The 260-mile route, which Amtrak could be operating in as little as two years, would utilize existing freight lines. An Amtrak study due in August will help finalize route and station details. The state hopes the 3-C will lead to a regional rail system with dozens of stops and some high-speed stretches. AARP supports a well-connected, national rail network as one piece of its push for livable communities. “We want people to be mobile within their communities regardless of age and physical capabilities,” said Joanne Limbach, president. In a recent poll, 64 percent of Ohioans consider 3-C a good idea. Of those 55-plus, 41 percent said they were likely to use it. The rail commission envisions two or three trains a day in each direction traveling 60 to 79 mph. Some smaller cities, including Dayton and Springfield, may also get service. Other stops being considered include a rapid transit stop near and one in Grafton. Cleveland and Cincinnati have existing stations, although heavy freight congestion would make it difficult to route additional trains into Cincinnati’s historic Union Station. AARP Ohio points out that passengers will need options once they arrive—safe sidewalks or bicycle trails, buses, shuttle services, commuter rail and taxi stands as well as “hover areas” or “cellphone lots” for cars where drivers can wait to pick up arrivals. The lack of details on schedules, station locations, fares and operating costs makes some people hesitant to climb aboard just yet. , R-Strongsville, chairman of the , sees a significant difference between passenger rail, which is used occasionally, and commuter rail, which is used daily. He wants to make sure Ohio taxpayers don’t end up subsidizing the project once federal money runs out. Ken Prendergast, executive director of the rail advocacy group , points to potential benefits for the economy and environment. A predicted the creation of 16,700 jobs and $3 billion in related development. Sarah Hollander is a freelance writer living in Cleveland. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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