Getting passenger rail in the Capital City could finally become reality in Mayor Michael Coleman's city.

"Columbus is the largest city in the nation without rail," said Mayor Michael Coleman.

Stu Nicholson with the Ohio Rail Development Commission says with gas prices as high as 4 bucks a gallon last year people are on board for alternative transportation.

"I'm convinced this is going to happen.  We're probably in the best position to make this happen than we have ever been," said Stu Nicholson.

Governor Ted Strickland said passenger rail will connect all three cities of Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland by the year 2010.

Passenger rail would save travelers time, money and take tourism to a whole new level.

"It's estimated that it would boost tourism in dollars and cents by about 800 million dollars a year," said Nicholson.

Ohio and Amtrak officials are meeting throughout the state devising routes and discussing revenue possibilities.

Rail would give motorists a break from the steering wheel to catch up on phone calls, personal matters, and simply enjoy a ride to the state's biggest cities.

"I think they'll be a lot of Ohioans who will want to get on that train and ride from Cincinnati to Columbus or Cincinnati and Cleveland? It's going to be fabulous," said Tyrone Yates, (D) Cincinnati, 33rd District.

Investing millions in infrastructure could yield millions for Ohio's economy and create thousands of jobs.

"Those cities that don't focus in on alternative forms of transportation are those cities that will fall behind," said Mayor Coleman.

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