Amtrak's Midwest plan would link Ohio's "three Cs"

What they're saying: Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn highlighted planned Midwest routes that would link Ohio's "three Cs" during a recent "Axios on HBO" interview. The cities are just 250 miles apart but haven't been connected by rail since 1967.

• "Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati," Flynn says. "Those are essentially new routes where service practically does not exist today."
• About half the money budgeted for Amtrak will go to expanding intercity train lines across the U.S., targeting locations with few or no routes.

The big picture: The "absolutely transformational" bill provides more funding than Amtrak has had in its 50 years of history combined, Flynn says.

Yes, but: You can't book a trip on your dream rail line just yet. The Midwest Regional Rail Plan is a 40-year framework that will take decades to complete.

💭 Alissa's thought bubble: I'm all for taking the hassle out of Midwest trips. A Cleveland Guardians game just a short train ride away? Deep-dish pizza and Lollapalooza without Chicago traffic? That's worth the wait. Count me in!