Ohio's Transportation Future
The stars may be aligning for a major shift in transportation policy in Ohio – a shift in favor of transportation modes that use energy more efficiently, shrink harmful emissions and greenhouse gases, and grow green jobs and more sustainable communities.
Thanks to the "green" vision of Governor Strickland's administration, the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) 21st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force (of which the OEC is a member), and partners across the state such as All Aboard Ohio! and the Ohio Chapter of the Sierra Club, an integrated public transportation system is slowly become a reality.
The benefits of increased, and integrated, public transportation throughout Ohio are multi-fold:
- economic development through transit-oriented development, travel, and tourism
- easier attainment of air quality standards
- quality of life improved for residents and commuters
- less energy used
- reduced demand for foreign oil and reduced pollution
For more information about the OEC's tranportation policies, please contact Devan Willemsen, Director of Air & Land Use Special Projects, at (614) 487-7506 or Devan@theOEC.org.
 In March, the Ohio General Assembly approved a "green" state transportation budget. The budget proposed by the Strickland administration included funding for a number of "green" initiatives, including reestablishing passenger rail service linking Cleveland, Columbus, Springfield, Dayton, and Cincinnati, also known as the "3C Corridor."
In September, a 'whistlestop tour' coordinated by the OEC, and a series of 3C public meetings has brought new enthusiasm for the prospect of passenger rail in Ohio.
Read the press release and supporting documents and see press coverage:
For more information:
OEC's 3C Testimony Before State Senate
OEC's Statement on State Budget
Congressional Transportation Committee
Ohio HUB Rail System Plan
Support for Ohio Passenger Train Service
Ohio Environmental Council:
Documents from Ohio Rail Development Commission:
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