Bringing back the train system from Cincinnati to Cleveland

     While looking at the web site for the Dayton Daily News, I came across an article about reopening the old train station. By opening this train station it will reopen the old line that closed back in 1979 running trains from Cincinnati all the way to Cleveland with stops in Dayton and Columbus. 1. This "new" line and station is due to open in 2011 at the corner of Ludlow and Sixth St. at the sight of the old train station, which will only be a few blocks away from Sinclair Community College.

     Ohio is one of 24 states that have submitted proposals to be allocated some of the funds that the federal government has set aside for upgrading the rail way systems, to make public commuting more affordable and easier access by the masses. 2. Dayton's proposal will cost about $5.7 million dollars to install, ipdate and renovate the tracks as well as for a clock tower, covered walkways, and ticketing areas.

     Ohio has also requested about $50 million to be set aside to set up a small terminal in Riverside over by the Air Force Museum. This will help to boost tourist visits and should help boost the economy.

     If Ohio gets the budget approvals for the rail system, then constructions should start for both the downtown Dayton and Riverside sites by February 1st, 2010. If things go well then the tracks should be operational by 2011.

     Cost for a one way ticket from Cincinnati to Dayton would run about $7.00, and from Cincinnati to Columbus one way would be $10.50. The train system would be an excellent way to cut down on traffic to and from Cincinnati and Columbus on the highways. The trains max speeds will top out at 79 mile per hour. While it may not save on time due to the stops and waits for passengers to load and unload, it will cut down on pollution and well as the traffic jams during rush hours. The estimated time for travel from Cincinnati to Dayton would be about an hour and a half by the train.

     I feel this would be a great project for Ohio, it would create both short term and long term jobs to set up the stations, and man them. It would cut down on traffic and pollution. I can see myself taking the train from Riverside, where I live to the downtown hub, since it is a more direct route than the bus system for me now. I can see where it could save on gas costs and parking costs.


1. http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/downtown-passenger-train-station-could-be-operational-by-2011-342802.html

2. http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/ohio-news/the-time-is-now-for-rail-local-officials-say-342798.html