The Erie Canal was the starting point for designing a major city. Having a quick transportation route run through to transport people and goods was the start of making businesses popular. The Erie Canal cost $7 million dollars to build but reduced shipping costs significantly. The ease of trade encouraged migration and the development of farms through the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest. Farm fresh produce could be distributed to the growing metropolitan regions of the east and consumer merchandises could be transported west. Before 1825, more than 85% of the population of New York State lived in rural villages of less than 3,000 people. With the opening of the Erie Canal, the urban to rural ratio began to change dramatically. Goods and people were transported quickly along the Erie Canal and the freight sped along the canal at about 55 miles per 24-hour period. There was an express passenger service that moved through at 100 miles per 24-hour period.