Central Ohio leaders gathered with LaHood to seize a once-in-a-generation development opportunity
Central Ohio is the fastest-growing region in the Midwest and will top three million residents by 2050. Yet Columbus remains one of the largest U.S. metros without passenger rail service. Yesterday, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) hosted former U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2009–2013), Ray LaHood, for a Central Ohio Rail Executive Network Roundtable — a pivotal conversation about how modern rail can unlock development, connect talent, and strengthen the region’s competitiveness.
LaHood, a driving force and respected authority in the transportation field, visited Central Ohio at a decisive moment. The region is engaged in the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor ID Program, and MORPC is preparing to advance to Step 2, a critical phase that will shape routes, station planning, and position the region for future federal investment. Simultaneously, private-sector opportunities with companies like Brightline are emerging. Together, these efforts give Central Ohio a powerful opportunity to move from decades of discussion to decisive action.
“By investing in rail, we expand access to job opportunities and support economic development. You need a good compliment of transportation in a place like Ohio and a part of that is the next generation of transportation, which is rail.”
LaHood’s visit underscores the urgency of this opportunity. Within the last year MORPC has worked closely with various regional stakeholders, to make the two passenger rail corridors through Central Ohio a reality. This fall, MORPC will begin the Service Delivery Plans for the Midwest Connect and 3C+D passenger rail lines. With Central Ohio preparing to advance in the Corridor ID process, passenger rail is an actionable plan that unlocks both future federal funding and potential private investment.
"Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, is a national leader in transportation and infrastructure and this visit represents a significant step forward for our efforts to bring passenger rail to Central Ohio. His visit energizes local business and community leaders to continue our partnerships and work towards building new rail connections to major cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, Fort Wayne, and Pittsburgh as well as rural and Appalachian Ohio communities. It also affirms the strong connection between passenger rail, jobs, and economic development. As Central Ohio grows, adding passenger rail connections is a strategic part of growing better."
Rail service in Columbus ended in 1979, when the final train departed and since then, our region has added more than a quarter million residents. Connecting Central and Rural Ohio to the nation’s passenger rail system is critical for the region’s growth and economic future. Passenger rail is essential for building a connected and prosperous future. It offers access to jobs and universities, affordable transportation, reduces traffic congestion, pollution and links communities. Rail sparks economic growth helping neighborhoods to thrive, while building a more sustainable and resilient future.
For more information on MORPC’s passenger rail efforts visit Central Ohio Passenger Rail Advisory Council – MORPC.org.
