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.

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