My name is Sean and I am in charge of public outreach for the Ohio Rail Development Commission’s 2017 state rail plan. In case you don’t know who we are, the Ohio Rail Development Commission’s mission is to plan, promote, and implement the improved movement of goods and people faster and safer on a rail transportation network connecting Ohio to the nation and the world. The mission is to be accomplished through a coordinated freight and passenger rail system which is an integral part of a seamless, intermodal transportation network contributing to Ohio’s quality of life and economic development. ORDC also improves public safety by funding grade crossing safety improvements.
ORDC provides grants, loans, and other assistance to:
Perform a vital economic development function by assisting businesses locati
On your first topic: Safety at Highway/Rail grade crossing, A good partner would be the National “Operation Lifesaver” via their local, State Organization. They can be pretty effective in their outreach programs. [ In Georgia, we had not only railroads, but the State Enforcement Bureaus (State, County, and Local). As Trucking Company (before, I retired) we were active with OLI through the State Truckiing Association (GMTA), and participated with number of Community based activities.] In fact, we qualified a number of Driver-Trainers as OLI Presenters.
You mentioned, as well, Rail Passenger Programs ( I am assuming that is to include, Interurban,Commuter, as well as Inter-Cities(?). Is there a particular corridor that O.R.D.C.has as a particular focus point for attention?
Sean, Will ORDC support the Adrian & Blissfield efforts to connect their operations with the NS spur line through Sylvania? What do you see as the benefits to Ohio of the grain and ethanol from the A&B line having a better route to Ohio users? Will ORDC coordinate with Michigan DOT to check out this important project? Will it coordinate with NS too? Choo Choo Lou
Thank you for your response. We currently work closely with Operation Lifesaver here in Ohio. Yet, having increased semi driver training and expanded participation with local governments is a great idea for future progress with OLI. Having OLI trained drivers who can present to fellow drivers and officials is crucial for improving the railroad crossing safety program in the state.
In regards to passenger rail corridors, Ohio state law says an initial passenger rail route must connect the “3C Corridor” of Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Currently there are no passenger rail programs at the ORDC. The FRA Midwest passenger rail study is looking at all routes in the Midwest including Ohio. Information regarding this plan can be found at www.midwestrailplan.org
Due to the jurisdiction of that line being in Michigan, we must wait for further advances from the Michigan DOT before project development could begin. Continuing coordination with the railroads would follow after.
If the project is brought up to us, we will look at all the possible benefits to Ohio such as increased business and lower costs to Ohio grain and ethanol producers.
The Erie Railroad Line between Cleveland, Solon and Auroroa is still abandoned in place, It used to be a commuter line. This was under study 16 years ago but was poo pooed Yet this is one of the most densly populated suburban areas in Cleveland
There are now light rail cars that are wireless that could be used on the line
“…In regards to passenger rail corridors, Ohio state law says an initial passenger rail route must connect the “3C Corridor” of Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Currently there are no passenger rail programs at the ORDC. The FRA Midwest passenger rail study is looking at all routes in the Midwest including Ohio. Information regarding this plan can be found at…” www.midwestrailplan.org
Was not aware of the State Law in Ohio that ‘mandated’ a connection between between the “Three C’s” population centers. It does make sense from a political standpoint though.
I guess Toledo needs to secede(?) Maybe Michigan will want them?
Fortunately, the Three C’s are connected in the State railroad net. The problem would seem to be trying to fit a new tennant into that existing traffic pattern. Historically, most railroads tensd to look at a passenger operation,utilizing their tacks and plants as interlopers. A sort of skunk at the family picnic thing?
Trying to wrap an intercity passenger operation into existing freight operations, will be hard to overcome. A dedicated’ new’ ROW will be pretty much politically unpopular, and very expensive.
We have several people, who are regular Posters on this Forum, who could put down some facts and figures, on costs per mile (From their regular expertise, and knowledge of the subject.)
So as C&O I called Ohio Rail Development Commision in Columbus OH and being a goverment agency and gettimg kicked around I got a live person-- So the gentleman basicaly said that untill Gov. Kasich is gone no passenger trains and that there is limited freight railroad assistance to industries and short lines.
Comments:
· ORDC should look at “low hanging” commuter/light rail services. He noted that a Brecksville to Cleveland route could be operated through the National Park where there is ample parking. He noted that the line ends close to the heart of downtown. He also noted that the Solon to downtown line would be a good candidate. He pointed out that RDC or light rail locomotives could be used so that the terminus of the route could be under Tower City.