Connect Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago By Rail: Ohio Politicians

CLEVELAND — A coterie of northern Ohio politicians are calling for Amtrak to link Cleveland and Chicago by railway.

As Congress considers a massive infrastructure package, which earmarks $65 billion for passenger rail improvements, Amtrak unveiled a 15-year plan called Connect US. The initiative would link Toledo and Detroit, creating an indirect link between Cleveland and Chicago that would take more than seven hours to complete.

Ohio politicians want Amtrak to retool the plan to shorten the route between Toledo and Chicago, making it more direct and increase the frequency of travel along the line. Rep. Marcy Kaptur believes such a route would attract more commuters to the region.

“While Amtrak’s proposal would bring new benefits to northern Ohio – our region needs an innovative system that better links the Midwest’s great cities,” Kaptur said. “I appreciate Amtrak and Federal Railroad Administration leaders for partnering with us as we work to develop the 21st century transit infrastructure that will connect people and economies, and spur growth throughout the heartland.”

Federal Railroad Administration Deputy Administrator Amit Bose said he supports local efforts to improve the Chicago to South Bend to Toledo to Cleveland railway.

“The work being done by the Lakeshore Rail Alliance, to prepare to compete for federal funding, couldn’t be better timed as we hope to have a historic level of investment in passenger and freight rail thanks to Chairwoman Kaptur’s efforts and support," he said.