Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation: Talks Ohio Passenger Rail
“If you build it, they will come.” Former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood,” chats with Columbus' regional planning organization, MORPC, about the future of passenger rail and transportation in Ohio.
October 3, 2025
All Aboard Ohio
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has a new podcast, Growing Better Together, and it's a must listen for rail advocates.
In the inaugural episode, “Building Bridges: A Conversation with Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood,” the Secretary of Transportation under President Barack Obama and former 14-year Congressman provides incredible insight into the future of transportation, the importance of bipartisanship, and why passenger rail is not just about getting from point A to point B—it's about economic development for Ohio.
The Next Generation of Transportation is Rail
Secretary LaHood, who visited Central Ohio to discuss passenger rail, is a firm believer in its power. When asked about successful rail projects, he cited examples across the country, from Florida’s Brightline and the Northeast Corridor to high-speed rail projects underway in California and the Las Vegas-Los Angeles corridor.
His message for Ohio is clear: “If you build it, they will come.”
He stresses that rail is a necessary component of the next generation of transportation, especially for crowded corridors. If people can ride a comfortable, affordable, and on-time train instead of sitting in traffic, they will utilize it.
Rail is an Economic Development Project
Secretary LaHood makes a powerful case for how rail would benefit Ohio, emphasizing that rail cannot be looked at just as transportation. It is, first and foremost, a big economic development project.
It provides:
"Jobs for those who will build the rail."
"Jobs for those who will work on the rail."
Economic opportunities for small businesses that will spring up around the project.
This is exactly what All Aboard Ohio has been saying: revitalizing passenger rail is a massive opportunity to create jobs and growth across the state.
A Bipartisan Path Forward
For Ohio advocates, the discussion on the future of transportation funding is particularly encouraging. With the current bipartisan infrastructure law set to expire, Secretary LaHood predicts a positive outcome.
He believes the next transportation bill will include money for rail, and that it will pass with bipartisanship.
“There are no Republican or Democratic roads. There are no Republican or Democratic bridges,” Secretary LaHood stated. “When it comes to the issues where all Americans are impacted, whether it's transportation, economic development, energy, these are bipartisan issues that I think Congress deals with in a bipartisan way.”
This sentiment underscores the importance of the work being done in Ohio by local officials, community leaders, and organizations like MORPC and All Aboard Ohio—all working together to make their priorities known to our Congressional delegation.
Listen Now!
We highly encourage all our supporters to listen to the full conversation to hear the Secretary's thoughts on public service, how Congress has changed, and the legacy of his focus on safety.
Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/G7fxRJLnLU4?si=wKat0SXBHIhbFjVS
Show: Growing Better Together
Episode: Building Bridges: A Conversation with Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood
ABOUT ALL ABOARD OHIO
All Aboard Ohio is a non-profit, member-based organization dedicated to promoting improved public transportation and passenger rail service throughout the state.
Founded in 1973 and incorporated as a registered 501c-3 in 1987, All Aboard Ohio has spent more than 50 years advocating, educating, and working towards our goal of a connected Midwest
All Aboard Ohio is a 501c-3 nonprofit with over 50 years of advocacy work, advocating for improved public transportation and passenger rail service in the Midwest
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