All Aboard Ohio is focused on bringing more transportation options to all Ohioans. At the state level, we champion passenger rail connectivity across the 3C’s + D and all in between. The work of our local chapters revolve around the issues closest to home, advancing freedom of movement and building a more connected future. They engage local stakeholders, potential members, and the broader public to strengthen understanding of the benefits of passenger rail and expanded transportation options.

On the ground, chapters lead campaigns to raise awareness and make the case for infrastructure that serves their communities, helping others travel safely and efficiently, expanding access to the places and people they value. Some examples of local chapter events include meetings with local officials, field trips to transit infrastructure in their communities and joint-meetings with other local mobility advocates. 

In this post, we want to highlight just how essential that local-level work is through the perspective of one of our local leaders. Brian Schriver is AAO’s Northeast Ohio Regional Director and has led AAO’s Cleveland Chapter for 2.5 years. Brian shares how the Cleveland Chapter has used a variety of events to bring people together, building community and a movement for transportation choice in the Northeast and across the state.

“Our northeast chapter meetings are a mix of formal presentations, informal gatherings, and field trips. We use our chapter events as an opportunity to inform members about current programs, but also to build a vision on what an Ohio with better transportation options could look like. We have done a deep dive into the successes of passenger rail in North Carolina and how it’s a great example for Ohio.

We have discussed how the light rail vehicles for Cleveland’s RTA will enable a more flexible system. We have made proposals for how RTA’s Rapid could expand to better serve the community. We present new Amtrak route proposals that fit within that organization’s current constraints. For our field trips, we have visited the rail maintenance facilities for both Cleveland’s RTA as well as the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. We visited the Northern Ohio Railway Museum in Medina County, where we had the opportunity to ride original Shaker Line Streetcars and earlier generations of Red Line heavy rail vehicles.

Local chapter events complement the statewide activities by providing more personal connections. A mix of informational and fun activities helps us build up our membership base. It is important for us to engage with elected officials - the more members we have, the broader the base that is pushing elected leaders for high quality public transit and intercity rail.” - Brian Schriver, AAO Northeast Regional Director & Cleveland Chapter Lead

The actions of our local chapters drive large-scale change. Whether it’s a Transit and Taps happy hour in Cincinnati, a field trip to RTA facilities in Cleveland, or stopping by a farmer’s market table in Dayton or Springfield, there are opportunities to start connecting with neighbors and advocates near you. If there’s a chapter in your area, please consider joining them for a meeting or event!

If you don’t see one near you, send me an email - nathan@allaboardohio.org and let's chat!

It’s going to take all of us to build the transportation future we deserve, let’s get there together.