Amtrak: Ohio train would draw 478,000 riders

COLUMBUS (AP) — Amtrak estimates that about 478,000 people each year would ride a passenger train connecting Ohio’s major cities.

The study released today will play a key part in Ohio’s application for about $400 million in federal stimulus money to launch a 79-mph, startup rail service connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati.

The study also says that annual revenue, including ticket sales, would be about $12 million, with the potential for growth. Ohio would need to spend as much $17 million to keep the service operational each year.

Amtrak recommended a 255-mile route with six station stops. The stops would include downtown locations in the four major cities, along with intermediate stops in west Cleveland and Sharonville Park north of Cincinnati.