Sixteen thousand: That is the number of new jobs that would be created if Ohio were to build a high-speed-rail system.
Many believe that high-speed rail is a project too risky to take on and would not pay off. But consider all the benefits: First would be those 16,000 jobs.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates Ohio’s unemployment rate at 7.3 percent. Adding all the construction, engineering, manufacturing and operations jobs from high-speed rail could reduce unemployment in Ohio. In addition, money from workers’ paychecks goes back into the economy so the economy can continue to grow and grow.
A second benefit would be that, historically, businesses have moved to wherever railroads and stations were built.
This process would repeat, were we to build high-speed rail through Ohio.
The entrance of companies is a double-win situation: Businesses can expand and thousands of new workers would be employed.
The tourism industry also would grow significantly. Easier and cheaper methods of traveling could bring tourists and their money into Ohio.
Third is that high-speed rail is considerably more environmentally friendly than automobiles. Enormous amounts of fuel could be saved by taking high-speed rail in place of automobiles, and the trains emit half as many total pounds of carbon dioxide as traveling by car, and about one-third compared with traveling by airplane.
In a cost-benefit analysis, it is obvious that Ohio would win tremendously with a high-speed-rail system. First, building the rail network comes at the expense of the federal government, and Ohio does not have to pay for any construction.
Second, the only cost Ohio incurs is a $17 million annual subsidy to cover operating expenses, which could be recovered by passenger tickets. An Amtrak study estimates that 478,000 passengers would travel on the line in the first year, which quickly would recoup money used for operating expenses.
In addition to costing Ohio almost nothing, becoming an interregional hub could generate $3 billion in economic development.
Ohio loses absolutely nothing by building a high-speed-rail system. As Ohio’s finances are looking healthier, it is time that we re-examine this issue. With so many benefits of high-speed rail, Ohio should reconsider.
WALI AHMED SHARIFF