MORPC and our partners are leading the way in advancing passenger rail planning, strengthening the region’s long-term connectivity and economic competitiveness. For decades, Central Ohio has been one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States without passenger rail service. However, there is significant momentum as local and federal partners move from conceptual frameworks toward concrete engineering and design to close this gap.
As the region’s primary advocate for enhanced connectivity, MORPC serves as the essential bridge between local communities and federal partners while coordinating the technical planning necessary to integrate Central Ohio into the national rail network. Learn more about the goal to connect Central Ohio with passenger rail below.
Corridor Identification and Development Program
The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, coordinates planning and development activities for new or enhanced passenger rail service across the nation.
The Corridor ID program allows project sponsors and supporters to work with the FRA to take a comprehensive approach to route development that minimizes operational risk to providers while maximizing traveler and freight benefits. This could lead to improved freight service as well as restored passenger service to rural, Appalachian Ohio, suburban, and urban areas while creating new workforce access and spurring economic development.
The program consists of three steps to identify the characteristics (e.g., station locations, frequencies, financial plan, etc.) necessary to establish service along the route, complete preliminary engineering for any needed capital improvements, and perform necessary environmental studies.
In December 2023, the FRA announced two Corridor ID projects serving Central Ohio: 3C+D and Midwest Connect. Since the initial selection, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has worked in close coordination with the City of Fort Wayne, Ind., and the Ohio Rail Development Commission to advance two distinct but complementary corridors.
3C+D Corridor
This north-south route is designed to link Ohio’s four largest metro areas—Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. Beyond intrastate travel, this corridor will provide a vital “spine” for Ohio, allowing residents to plug into Amtrak’s existing long-distance network and reach destinations across the country.
Midwest Connect
This corridor will link Pittsburgh, Columbus, Lima, Fort Wayne, and Chicago. By re-establishing this cross-country route through the heart of the Midwest, the project aims to bridge the gap between major industrial and economic hubs, significantly enhancing the region’s economic reach and providing an alternative to congested highway travel.
Progress and Next Steps
In 2025, both corridors successfully completed Step 1 of the Corridor ID process. This milestone involved defining the scope of the projects and establishing a formal partnership with the FRA. As we move through 2026, the corridors have transitioned into Step 2. During this stage, project partners will refine station locations, determine the frequency of daily trains, and establish preliminary service schedules. These elements are the foundation of the Service Development Plan, a document that is crucial for passenger rail implementation in the Corridor ID program.
Heartland Rail Connectivity Initiative
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, in partnership with the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, applied to the FRA’s National Railroad Partnership Program / Federal State Partnership for the Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP) in February 2026. This application leverages strong partnerships with a diverse group of local governments, community-based organizations, and the business community to request funds to analyze passenger rail projects connecting Central Ohio with key commercial, residential, and industrial hubs throughout Ohio. The Heartland Rail Connectivity Initiative aims to strengthen rural communities while increasing access to growing suburban and urban areas through passenger rail development.
Newsletter Sign Up
Stay connected with the latest passenger rail news, events, and initiatives from across the Central Ohio region by subscribing to Restoring Our Rails, MORPC’s quarterly passenger rail newsletter. From transportation and sustainability updates to funding opportunities and regional planning efforts, our newsletters keep you informed and engaged in the work shaping our communities. Sign up today and never miss an update!
Related Work
Rapid Speed Transportation Initiative
The 2019 Rapid Speed Transportation Initiative built upon MORPC’s ongoing efforts to develop stronger transportation connections with neighboring regions. This initiative is focused on improving connectivity to Chicago and Pittsburgh through exploration of two transportation technologies, including traditional passenger rail and hyperloop.
- 2020 Hyperloop Feasibility Study
- Rapid Speed Transportation Initiative: Existing Conditions & Market Analysis
- Chicago-Columbus-Pittsburgh Passenger Rail: Route Alternatives Analysis
Competitive Advantage Projects Program
The Competitive Advantage Projects (CAP) Program advances regional growth and economic well-being by assisting Central Ohio communities drive investments into the region toward their strategic and transformative projects. Midwest Connect and 3C+D Corridor ID projects were included as Regionally Significant CAP projects.
