Page 43 - EAZ PLan

Despite significant investment in past studies, consideration of light rail options in Central Ohio area has not progressed in recent years. COTA’s evaluation of the North Corridor Transit Project was the last attempt to look at regional rail solutions for commuters. The hub and spoke approach centered on downtown Columbus and emphasized areas of highest density along a north-south line mirroring High Street and the I-71 Corridor. While Dublin was considered as a secondary route for that system, the proposal was not successful and little consideration has been given for other approaches that could garner greater support from key suburbs like Dublin. As regional growth continues and property values increase, two feasible sources of

land for future routes will likely be limited to railroad rights-of-way or some consideration of existing rights-of-way along interstates or other key thoroughfares.

Given the nature of Central Ohio’s transportation network and development intensity, significant increases in local and regional congestion will be necessary before regional or suburban light rail becomes politically or economically possible. While it is reasonable to expect that rail solutions will not be seen at any time in the foreseeable future, the EAZ Transit Plan considers the need for this type of transit investment and accommodates additional mode choices to increase transportation options.

Over the last few years, significant discussion about passenger rail has occurred at the state level. In particular, the Ohio Hub concept has been developed with the purpose of creating a series of passenger rail connections to link Columbus with other Ohio metropolitan areas in a spoke pattern. The idea of an Ohio passenger system could be connected to other states in the Midwest, providing a more regional and even national approach. As part of the Ohio Hub concept, the CSX railroad through Dublin was considered as a secondary line that would link Columbus northwest to areas such as Fort-Wayne/Chicago and Toledo/ Detroit.

Primary focus of the Ohio Hub Concept is the 3-C line linking Cleveland, Columbus