Akron, Ohio News Release...

AKRON READY AGAIN FOR AMTRAK

Ohio Rail Development Commission presents check of $12,500

(July 31, 1998)-Rail passenger service is returning to Akron. On August 10th, Amtrak service will be restored and Akron's new train depot will be ready to start serving Amtrak customers. The 525-square-foot building, located behind the Morley Health Center parking deck on Broadway Street, has room for 25 persons and is handicapped-accessible. The downtown station will have a city-paid attendant and be open around the times trains are scheduled to stop in Akron.

In 1995, Amtrak stopped running trains through Akron due to financial concerns. At the time, the rail service estimated ridership to be around 8,000 passengers per year in Akron. Since then, there has been a steady stream of inquiries, to the Mayor's Office, regarding the return of Amtrak service.

Mayor Don Plusquellic, said today, "I hope Amtrak will have a good response from passengers and rail enthusiasts in our community. We would like to see a long-term commitment from them."

Amtrak's Eastern Business Group Director, Pat Mead commented, "We are enthusiastic about our return to Akron and look forward to providing its citizens with safe, comfortable and affordable train service. We are especially appreciative of the effort put forth by the City of Akron and the Ohio Rail Development Commission. Without their support, this station would not have been possible."

The new station has amenities missing in the old one and should be more attractive to passengers who will most likely see service to Akron in the wee hours of the morning. The Ohio Rail Development Commission made a grant of $12,500 to the $97,000 project. The ORDC preserves and promotes rail transportation throughout the State of Ohio.

"We are delighted to have Amtrak service restored to the Akron area. Rail passenger service is an integral part of an effective transportation system which is capable of serving the needs of the region," said Thomas M. O'Leary, executive director of the Ohio Rail Development Commission. "The Ohio Rail Development Commission is proud to be a part of achieving the goal of reinstating rail passenger service to your community. This station will serve as a gateway to receive visitors to the Akron area as well as a connecting point for citizens to the national rail network," he added.