Rail station in Akron-Canton excluded from Ohio's 2025 rail blueprint, as Representative Sykes argues against the decision
Ohio's Akron-Canton Region Advocates for Passenger Rail Service
The Akron-Canton region, home to the Akron-Canton Airport, universities, and countless manufacturing companies, is pushing for a passenger rail line. This pursuit was brought to light during a House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee hearing in May, where Matt Dietrich, head of Ohio's Rail Development Commission, discussed the matter.
Dietrich appeared before the committee to discuss ways to streamline federal railroad grants, but the conversation soon veered towards the Akron-Canton region's rail needs. The region, the fourth largest in Ohio and the only large metropolitan area without a proposed passenger rail line, was highlighted by Rep. Emilia Sykes during the hearing.
Sykes has requested a reconsideration of the 2025 State of Ohio Rail Plan's omission of a passenger rail stop in the Akron-Canton area. In a letter sent to Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn, Sykes expressed concern that failing to provide a passenger rail stop in the region would result in adverse consequences for its economic development.
Transportation officials in the Akron/Canton area have requested rail service beyond just being included in the 3C&D corridor, which connects Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, and Dayton. They have advocated for rail service to airports, Pittsburgh, and commuter rail service to Cleveland.
Dietrich acknowledged that planners in Ohio had previously considered a route through Akron but ruled it out. However, he emphasized that each of these requests falls under different funding sources and grant sources. Dietrich expressed a willingness to continue the conversation about the Akron-Canton region's rail needs and provide guidance on appropriate programs for applications.
The 2019 State of Ohio Rail Plan noted interest from local stakeholders in establishing a rail service between the Akron-Canton Airport and the Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Dietrich stated that the route would be reevaluated as plans for the 3C&D corridor move forward.
Residents of the Akron-Canton region have advocated for a passenger rail line for many years. They argue that a rail stop would better connect the workers and families of Eastern Ohio to economic, educational, and healthcare opportunities. The Akron-Canton region serves as a gateway to Ohio and the East Coast of the United States, making a rail stop a crucial infrastructure development.
The 2025 plan focuses on rail corridors connecting Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, Detroit, and Toledo, but these do not include Akron or Canton. Dietrich's appearance at the hearing was to provide information about the status of rail plans in Ohio, not to make any commitments or decisions. Nevertheless, the conversation about the Akron-Canton region's rail needs is a significant step towards potentially bringing passenger rail service to the region.
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