Ohio Rail Summit Media Kit
Resources for journalists covering the Ohio Rail Summit.
Press Contact
Beth Russell, Communications Director
beth@allaboardohio.org | 614-562-1086
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2026
Columbus, OH - All Aboard Ohio today announced the launch of the Inaugural Ohio Rail Summit. This statewide convening will bring together public officials, transportation professionals, advocates, and regional partners to discuss the future of passenger rail in Ohio and the Midwest.
Event: Ohio Rail Summit
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 9:00 am-3:00 pm.
Location: Energy Advancement and Innovation Center at The Ohio State University
Host: All Aboard Ohio
About the Summit
The Ohio Rail Summit is a statewide convening bringing together transportation leaders, policymakers, planners, advocates, and community partners to discuss the future of passenger rail and regional mobility in Ohio and across the Midwest.
The event will explore national rail priorities, federal programs supporting corridor development, and strategies for strengthening passenger rail connectivity throughout the region.
Media Interviews
Media outlets interested in covering the Ohio Rail Summit may request interview opportunities with select speakers through All Aboard Ohio.
Limited media availability will be offered during the pre-summit reception on April 17 and throughout the summit on April 18 for attending journalists, with the greatest access available during the summit.
To request an interview, please contact beth@allaboardohio.org.
2026 Confirmed Speakers
The Ohio Rail Summit features national and regional leaders in passenger rail, transportation policy, and advocacy.
Hayden Clarkin
The Transit Guy
Hayden Clarkin, widely known online as The Transit Guy, is a transportation communicator and advocate who has built a national audience through digital storytelling, transit education, and on-the-ground engagement in communities across the country. His work focuses on making transit and mobility issues accessible to broader audiences while highlighting the real-world impact of transportation systems
At the Ohio Rail Summit, Clarkin will share lessons from his national experience on how to engage new audiences, activate public interest, and build momentum around transit and mobility initiatives.
Joel Szabat
Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Amtrak
Joel Szabat serves as Vice Chair of the Amtrak Board of Directors, where he helps guide the strategic direction of the nation’s passenger rail network during a period of historic federal investment and expansion. He previously served as Acting Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation, where he played a key role in shaping national transportation policy, infrastructure strategy, and passenger rail initiatives.
At the Ohio Rail Summit, Szabat will provide a national perspective on passenger rail priorities and share updates related to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program.
Sean Jeans-Gail
Vice President, Government Affairs and Policy, Rail Passengers Association
Sean Jeans-Gail leads federal advocacy and policy strategy for the Rail Passengers Association in Washington, D.C., working to advance passenger rail priorities at the national level. His work connects grassroots advocacy with federal policy, engaging lawmakers, agencies, and stakeholders to support expanded and improved passenger rail service across the country.
At the Ohio Rail Summit, Jeans-Gail will offer insight into the federal policy landscape and the role of advocacy in shaping the future of passenger rail.
Presented By All Aboard Ohio
All Aboard Ohio is a 501-C3 non-profit, member-based organization dedicated to promoting more and better intercity passenger rail service and public transit throughout the state. All Aboard Ohio supports the innovation and development of a balanced transportation system that provides viable mobility choices to all Ohioans.
Sponsorship Information
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain available for organizations interested in supporting the Ohio Rail Summit.
Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $2,500 and include brand visibility, participation opportunities, and engagement with transportation leaders from across Ohio and the Midwest.
Photos and Graphics
Download logos, speaker images, and event graphics for media use.
Story Angles
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Passenger rail expansion in Ohio and the Midwest
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Economic impact of improved rail connectivity
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Federal investment and Corridor ID developments
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Regional collaboration on transportation infrastructure
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What expanded passenger rail means for Ohio’s economy and workforce
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How Midwest cities are preparing for new rail service opportunities
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The role of passenger rail in reducing congestion and improving mobility
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Public demand for modern, reliable transportation options
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How federal rail programs are shaping state-level transportation decisions
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The intersection of transportation, sustainability, and economic development
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Lessons from existing passenger rail systems across the U.S.
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The future of multi-state collaboration in passenger rail development
Mail Address
3136 Kingsdale Center,
#112 Columbus, OH 43221
Press Contact
Social Media
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
Get in Touch
(614) 642-2386
3136 Kingsdale Center,
#112 Columbus, OH 43221
