This Wednesday, All Aboard Ohio completed its Passenger Rail Day of Advocacy, bringing together advocates from across the state to meet with members of the Ohio General Assembly. This day was the culmination of years of passenger rail advocacy coinciding with the Federal Corridor ID program and its potential impact on the state of Ohio. We are proud to say the day was a success! Our members, along with local leaders and transportation stakeholders, made the compelling case to more than 50 lawmakers on why support for passenger rail in Ohio means a more vibrant economy, stronger cities, and more connected communities. Lawmakers heard our priorities and engaged in meaningful conversation with our membership on how Ohio can become a leader in passenger rail.

All Aboard Ohio Executive Director, John Esterly, was particularly inspired by the bipartisan support for our priorities. “My favorite part of the day was the consistent excitement from our elected officials on both sides of the aisle. Our legislature sees that passenger rail is a viable alternative to cars, offering transportation choice to Ohio's residents.” Ohioans all across the state will benefit from passenger rail and bipartisan support follows states like Missouri and North Carolina.

The evening’s reception brought together AAO members and supporters to enjoy an evening of conversation and celebration of the day and the progress we have made advocating for passenger trains in Ohio. Over 100 guests attended, including legislators who were unavailable to meet during the day prior. Guests were excited to interact with AAO members and to learn more about recent efforts we have made to educate and raise awareness about the 3C&D, Midwest Connect, and Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland future rail corridors.

AAO Board Member and Cleveland-resident, Lisa Buffo, thought that what really made the day stand out was the unique representation our coalition consisted of. “Representatives from city, county, and regional governments across Ohio showed up. Advocates from economic development interests, the accessibility community, unions, Amtrak, regional transit planning agencies, and concerned citizens showed up. The momentum is snowballing, and I can't be more excited to see Ohio reclaim its pride in its rail economy!”

To say Advocacy Day was a success would be an understatement, we are thrilled to continue our advocacy efforts and to push hard to give Ohioans choices when it comes to their transportation options. Our coalition is growing and becoming stronger by the day and it will be because of us that our state becomes more connected, more economically dynamic, and proud of its passenger rail infrastructure. 

As always, your membership and support for our organization is vital to the continued success and advocacy moving forward. Become a member or donate to support this important work. To read more about our legislative priorities and the topics of conversations we shared with legislators, read our literature here!