The City of Hilliard continues to invest in the future of regional passenger railway.
City Council recently approved a $50,000 contribution to help fund the next phase of planning for the Midwest Connect rail project.
This effort, led by the Federal Rail Administration (FRA), could eventually bring a passenger train stop to Hilliard, connecting our community to other cities across the region.
Passenger rail can:
- Improve connectivity: Connecting new cities to the passenger rail network helps people get to major destinations across the U.S.
- Increase Travel Efficiency: According to the FRA, passenger rail is up to 46% more efficient than driving and 34% more efficient than flying.
- Support Economic Growth: Passenger rail can help people get to the 1 million new jobs in this corridor projected by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) by 2040.
A Vision for Rail Through Hilliard
The proposed Midwest Connect line would establish intercity passenger rail service connecting Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Chicago, utilizing existing CSX rail tracks that pass directly through Hilliard near I-270.
This Step 2 of the FRA’s Corridor ID process will identify preferred station locations, develop preliminary service plans, and complete required environmental reviews.
“This investment ensures Hilliard is at the table as regional partners plan one of the most transformative transportation projects in decades,” said Interim City Manager Dan Ralley. “It strengthens our case to be considered for a future passenger rail station.”
Regional Collaboration and Economic Potential
The Step 2 planning phase is estimated to cost between $6.5 million and $7 million, with the FRA covering 90 percent of the cost. The remaining 10 percent local match is shared among participating communities in Ohio and Indiana, coordinated by MORPC.
Ohio communities contributing local funds include Columbus, Dublin, Marysville, and Lima, all aiming to strengthen their case for inclusion in the corridor’s long-term service plan. Hilliard’s $50,000 share will directly support technical evaluations, mapping, and environmental documentation.
Strategic Preparation Years in the Making
Hilliard has been preparing for this opportunity for more than a decade.
In 2012, as part of the redevelopment of the Giant Eagle site near I-270 and Britton Parkway, the City dedicated land along the rail corridor to accommodate a potential future transit hub.
In December 2022, the City further advanced that vision by acquiring 2.8 acres of land on Brown Park Drive for $750,000, securing property on both sides of the CSX line to provide flexibility for potential station development.
“These proactive steps put Hilliard in an excellent position to be evaluated as a station site,” Ralley said.
Looking Ahead
City leaders view passenger rail as a long-term investment in mobility, economic development, and sustainability. A station in Hilliard would offer residents new travel options, attract visitors, and enhance connections to the broader Midwest.
“The return of passenger rail to Central Ohio has the potential to reshape how our region moves,” Ralley said. “By joining this effort now, Hilliard ensures it won’t be left behind as these opportunities take shape.”
Read the Passenger Rail Station Feasibility Study here.
