All Aboard Ohio Cincinnati gets on track to promote 3C Rail

In recent years the Cincinnati Chapter of All Aboard Ohio has fallen by the wayside. The organization - comprised mostly of rail enthusiasts -  had lost its steam.

"The Cincinnati end (of the statewide organization) had kind of fallen off," said longtime member and Cincinnati/Tri-State Regional Coordinator Beau Tuke.

But it's amazing what $400 million in stimulus funding can do. Ohio was awarded those funds for a proposed rail project that has the potential to transform passenger rail across Ohio and the Midwest. All Aboard Ohio is mobilizing across the state, including in Cincinnati to raise awareness and garner support for state adoption of the 250-mile 3C corridor that would connect Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati through daily train service for the first time in 40 years.

Ohio's $400 million grant was one of the largest awarded in the country under the Federal Railroad Administration stimulus program.  This rail project is far from a done deal, with a contentious debate going on in Columbus and in communities across the state as to the benefits of a rail system. All Aboard Ohio is among organizations working to garner local, community and business support for passenger rail.

"We're really working to raise awareness and support," Tuke, of Mt. Adams, said. "This isn't just about being able to ride from Columbus to Cincinnati, but being connected to Chicago, Indianapolis and other places by rail."

The Cincinnati Chapter of All Aboard Ohio currently meets the second Tuesday of each month in Tower A at Cincinnati Union Terminal at 6:30 p.m. Tuke is working to expand the group's membership by adding more community and business-minded voices that want to help make the case for the 3C. The group is also working to get support from the Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana communities.

The Cincinnati chapter has an email distribution list for those who can't always make it to the meetings. If you're interested in being added to the list email Tuke at [email protected]

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Beau Tuke, All Aboard Ohio Cincinnati Chapter

You can follow Feoshia on twitter here.