This is the second segment of the Youngstown Forward Podcast, and in this one I'm discussing the situation of how the Midwest Connect passenger rail project shows how Youngstown, and the Mahoning Valley at large, is simply remiss on making any efforts to enhance mobility for its citizens. I talk about the news where the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has taken steps to complete the planning phase of establishing a passenger rail system that connects Columbus to Pittsburgh and Chicago. For years, Youngstown Forward has been discussing the need to build a passenger rail system that not only connects the Mahoning Valley (Mahoning County, Trumbull County, Columbiana County, Mercer and Lawrence County) in order to enable people to travel the metro area without the need of a car. In addition to the rail system servicing the Youngstown-Warren-Boardman (and neighboring Pennsylvania areas), it could connect to Cleveland, Akron and Pittsburgh enabling people in the area to search for and work jobs as well as do business, attend school, or otherwise network in those areas. This could result in an increase in economic opportunities which then is spent in the Mahoning Valley, as well as enable people from the other regions to access Youngstown without driving (which spurs initiative where the need to drive otherwise would discourage.) The Light Rail Passenger System for Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley is part of the Imagine A Youngstown ideation series on the youngstown-forward.org website. Thanks for watching and if you would be so kind -- share the video to whomever and wherever there are people who have a concern or an interest for the economic and social resurgence of Youngstown, Ohio and the Mahoning Valley area. It would help if you would subscribe to this channel, turn the notifications on, and leave any comment expressing your thoughts, feelings, and or concerns about this topic discussed. You can also sign up for the Email newsletter on our website and can be assured that you will never miss any content update or news release, video or otherwise from Youngstown Forward. Once again, thanks for watching and or listening.