INAUGURAL EVENT
Presented by All Aboard Ohio
Saturday, April 18 · 9 am – 3 pm
Energy Advancement & Innovation Center
The Ohio State University | Columbus, Ohio
PROGRAM
Full Steam Ahead.
Today's Agenda.
THE OHIO RAIL SUMMIT
Saturday, April 18, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
9:00 AM
Doors Open & Registration
9:30 AM
Opening Remarks
All Aboard Ohio Leadership
10:15 AM
Keynote: Meeting the Moment with Amtrak
Joel Szabat · Vice Chair, Board of Directors Amtrak
11:05 AM
Panel Discussion
Jon Davis · MIPRC, Linda Pitt · Mayor of Crestline Ohio, Derrick James · Environmental Law & Policy Center, Joseph Garrity · MORPC
11:55 AM
Presentation: Updates from All Aboard Ohio
John Esterly · Executive Director, All Aboard Ohio
12:30 PM
Lunch Break & Networking
1:10 PM
Afternoon Opening
1:20 PM
Update from the Lakeshore Rail Alliance
1:30 PM
Transit-Oriented Development with The Transit Guy
Hayden Clarkin · The Transit Guy
2:10 PM
Fireside Chat with Sean Jeans-Gail
Sean Jeans-Gail · Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, Rail Passengers Association
2:50 PM
Closing Remarks
Helpful Links:
SPONSORED BY
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PRESENTED BY
ALL ABOARD OHIO
Founded in 1973, All Aboard Ohio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing robust public transportation and passenger rail services throughout Ohio and the broader Midwest.
For over 50 years, our member-driven coalition has championed sustainable, equitable, and efficient transit solutions. By focusing on critical infrastructure expansions — such as the proposed 3C+D corridor connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati — All Aboard Ohio works to bridge communities, stimulate regional economic development, and elevate quality of life for all Ohioans.
As a nationally recognized leader in transit advocacy, All Aboard Ohio has spent decades serving as a trusted resource for policymakers, transportation professionals, and the media.
MERCH
Gear Up for the
Future of Rail.
Visit our merchandise table in the lobby. Out of your item or size? Order it here for delivery to you!
2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
National Leaders.
Real Impact.
The inaugural Ohio Rail Summit keynotes feature three of the most influential voices in American passenger rail and transportation policy.
@THETRANSITGUY
Hayden Clarkin
The Transit Guy · Founder of TransitCon
Transportation engineer, mobility consultant, and leading advocate for sustainable infrastructure. With 300,000+ followers, Hayden bridges the gap between complex engineering and the everyday rider experience, championing efficient, people-centric transit networks across American cities.
At the Summit: Engaging new audiences and building public momentum around transit and mobility initiatives.
AMTRAK BOARD
Joel Szabat
Vice Chairman, Amtrak Board of Directors
With over three decades of federal transportation leadership, Joel Szabat brings unparalleled expertise in rail policy and infrastructure funding. As former Acting Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, he is a leading advocate for expanding intercity rail partnerships nationwide.
At the Summit: The federal policy landscape and the role of advocacy in shaping the future of passenger rail.
RAIL PASSENGERS ASSOC.
Sean Jeans-Gail
Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs for the Rail Passengers Association
Directing national grassroots advocacy campaigns and serving as spokesman for transit and passenger rail for over a decade. Jeans-Gail oversees federal and state policy while managing the field organizing team that supports passenger-centric legislation across the country.
At the Summit: National passenger rail priorities and updates on the FRA's Corridor Identification and Development Program.
2026 PANELISTS
The Ohio Rail Summit will feature voices from the national, regional, and local perspective to add context to the momentum for passenger rail in an engaging panel.
At the Summit: The Midwest's planning for passenger rail and the benefits of collaboration between States.
Jon Davis
Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission
At the Summit: National passenger rail and the role of advocacy in driving change.
Derrick James
Senior Policy Advocate at the Environmental Law & Policy Center
At the Summit: How Ohio's communities benefit from passenger rail and are engaging in the conversation
Linda Pitt
Mayor of Crestline, Ohio
At the Summit: The coordinating work Ohio is engaging in now for rail and the greater transportation perspective.
Joseph Garrity
Chief Strategy Officer at Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
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
