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Expanding Opportunities for Learning and Research Decreasing Education Costs Through Passenger Rail Linking Ohio Universities by Rail Strenghtening Ohio's University System Furthering Collaboration Between Students and Schools Increasing Access to Libraries and Labs Creating a Transportation Model for the Nation A Unique Platform for Mobile Learning and Research
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Research


Two major research programs are planned in connection with OHERN.

Pilot Project Analysis

The first program will focus on the proposed pilot project and the collection of the various types of data required to properly evaluate the success of the pilot study.  Planners at the Ohio Rail Development Commission will take the lead in much of this work, but there are several additional research topics under consideration.

The three areas currently being considered for study include:

  1. A micro-economic/demographic analysis of student zip code data to determine travel costs and savings to students as a result of using passenger rail versus auto.

  2. Design and testing of an RFID student card for passenger ticketing.

  3. Design of a web-based tracking system showing each train’s current location, speed, ETA to next stop, passenger load, along with overall system information such as load and use patterns statewide.

Project OHERN

The second and considerably larger research initiate will begin once a portion of the network is constructed.  Called Project OHERN, this effort will involve students and faculty in nearly all disciplines from across the state.

The OHERN system creates a new, mobile environment providing researchers and educators with unique opportunities for study and engagement.  To appreciate the concept, envision the higher education rail network as a unique mobile environment in which at any one time as many as 5,000 to 10,000 riders are onboard.  Over the course of a day there may be 100,000 or more using the network creating opportunities for mobile learning in disciplines from Ohio history, geography and geology to marketing.  Opportunities for incorporating new art, music, theater and videography throughout the system will be constant.  The need for computer software, mobile learning applications, iPhone-based games and new databases for the system will present themselves throughout each school year. Surveys of OHERN riders will be required, and unique statewide network and travel analysis studies will be made possible.

Project OHERN will serve as an organizational catalyst fostering important new research and learning.

Additional information about Project OHERN will be available in the coming months.