top of page

OHIO SENATE BUDGET ATTACKS PASSENGER RAIL AND THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE

After all your hard work & advocacy, the Ohio Senate has decided to: 1. Remove the Rejoining of the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail...

After all your hard work & advocacy, the Ohio Senate has decided to: 1. Remove the Rejoining of the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail...

June 3, 2025

All Aboard Ohio

After all your hard work & advocacy, the Ohio Senate has decided to:

1. Remove the Rejoining of the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission (MIPRC) a move supported in multiple House versions of both the transportation and general operating budgets.


2. Eliminate the Passenger Rail Seat on the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) This directly undermines the ORDC’s mission:

“To plan, promote, and implement the improved movement of goods and people faster and safer on a rail transportation network through a coordinated freight and passenger rail system.” Even more shocking is that this removes the legally required passenger rail representative from the Ohio Rail Development Commission—a seat that has existed for over 20 years.

This move:

  • Weakens Ohio’s competitiveness for federal passenger rail funding.

  • Adds a new seat representing freight rail interests—without requiring Ohio residency.

  • Shifts power away from Ohioans and toward out-of-state freight corporations.


Over 75% of Ohioans support passenger rail, according to the 2024 ODOT Transportation Preference Study. This overwhelming, bipartisan support sends a clear message to Ohio lawmakers: Ohioans want more rail options, not fewer.


A Blow to Accessibility and Equity

Rail cuts are not just budgetary decisions—they are a betrayal of Ohioans with disabilities and older adults. For many, rail is one of the few affordable, accessible transportation options available. Removing support for passenger rail is a direct attack on those who rely on public transit the most.


Instead of investing in a system that could serve all Ohioans with dignity, the Senate is siding with corporate interests and gutting what little infrastructure exists for equitable transportation.


Ohioans Have Spoken: Are Legislators Listening?

Ohioans have made their voices heard—loudly and repeatedly. Thousands of All Aboard Ohio members have contacted their legislators, submitted testimony, and advocated for better rail service. Yet, behind closed doors, some elected officials—whose salaries are paid by taxpayers—are choosing to ignore the will of the people.


All Aboard Ohio calls on the Senate to restore these vital provisions back into the budget and put Ohio back on track toward a modern, accessible, and equitable rail future. Call your senator TODAY. Take just a few minutes to visit our advocacy page here for directions.


Annual Meeting

Join the annual update for Ohio's largest transit advocacy nonprofit. Learn more and register:

ConnectedPoster - 9.jpg

All Aboard Ohio

News Feed

Our Mission

We advocate for better transit and passenger rail throughout the Midwest. Your support helps us.

Learn how many rural communities are seeing increased job and housing growth without the necessary infrastructure to meet transportation needs

AAO Blog Post

Obstacles and Opportunities in Rural Transit: The Buckeye State Deserves Better Part 1

Learn about the Cincinnati Subway, affectionately called "The Loop" that just couldn't fight back against the times.

AAO Blog Post

OPINION: Reviving the Cincinnati Subway that Can't, Won't, and Wasn't

Every 5-10 years, the Ohio Department of Transportation creates a new version of its Long-Range Transportation Plan, otherwise known as Access Ohio. The past plan was published in 2020, and the planning is underway for the next edition.

AAO Blog Post

Access Ohio 2050 ODOT Long Range Plan – Why it Matters

Learn if the Ohio Senate will listen to Ohio's overwhelming support for passenger rail or continue to block progress. Learn about the movement for trains in Ohio.

Featured Post

Will the Ohio Senate Listen to the People on Passenger Rail?

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

©2025 by All Aboard Ohio

Get in Touch

Contact us form

info@allaboardohio.org

3136 Kingsdale Center, 


#112 Columbus, OH 43221

Federal Tax ID: 31-1066182

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Threads

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

Cleveland Tower Photo by cmh2315fl on Flickr (CC)

©2025 by All Aboard Ohio

Get in Touch

Contact us form

info@allaboardohio.org

3136 Kingsdale Center, 


#112 Columbus, OH 43221

Federal Tax ID: 31-1066182

  • Instagram
  • Bluesky
  • Threads
  • Youtube
  • Facebook
  • X
  • LinkedIn
bottom of page