We are citizens, businesses and organizations just like you who joined together to advocate for more and better transportation choices in Ohio, including more passenger trains, better public transit and, through our RESTORE initiative, improved rail infrastructure.
All Aboard Ohio meetings, outreach, publicity and development activities are guided by our dedicated staff which is overseen by a volunteer board of 15 directors. They are experts in transportation, urban issues, public policy and grassroots organizing.
OFFICERS
Chairman: Ronald Sheck Ph.D., retired transportation administrator, planner, researcher and educator, Sylvania
Vice Chairman: Kenneth Sislak, Associate Vice President, Transportation, AECOM, Shaker Heights
Secretary: Jack Shaner; Public Affairs Director, Ohio Environmental Council, Columbus
Treasurer: Ken Clifford; Owner, Kenneth Clifford, CPA, Medway
DIRECTORS
Central/SE Region: Eric Davies, Chair, Transit Columbus, Columbus
Northeast Region: Kenneth Sislak (see above)
Northwest Region: Richard Straub, Community Volunteer, Marion
Southwest Region: Beau Tuke, Sibcy Cline Realtors, Cincinnati
At-Large: David Burns, Motoman, Inc., West Carrollton
At-Large: Mark Carlson, Community Volunteer, Bay Village
At-Large: Kenneth Clifford (see above)
At-Large: Charles Horn, Community Volunteer, Kenton
At-Large: Jack Shaner (see above)
At-Large: Ronald Sheck (see above)
At-Large: Roger Shope, Ohio Higher Education Rail Network, Bowling Green
At-Large: Jerry Wicks, Professor Emeritus, BGSU; President, Senecio Software; Bowling Green
At-Large: VACANT
Executive Director: Ken Prendergast
(216) 288-4883
kenprendergast@allaboardohio.org
All Aboard Ohio!
850 Euclid Avenue, Suite 1026
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-3357
(216) 394-0012 Office
(216) 619-5026 fax
info@allaboardohio.org
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ORGANIZATIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Empire State Passengers Association
Environmental Law & Policy Center
Indiana High Speed Rail Association
Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers
Midwest High Speed Rail Association
Northeast Indiana Passenger Rail Association
Ohio Higher Education Rail Network
Toledo Metropolitan Area Council Of Governments – Public Transit & Passenger Rail Committee
Western Pennsylvanians For Passenger Rail
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THE ISSUES
The Challenges…
Sprawling growth patterns and a lack of travel options are straining existing communities, infrastructure, energy supplies and the environment.
While Ohio’s population grew just 6% since 1970, road lane-miles were increased by 20%, urbanized land areas sprawled 60% and road traffic grew by 50%.
Ohio is more car-dependent than ever as the state spends just 1% of its $3.8 billion transportation budget on trains and transit. Ohio is the nation’s third-most energy dependent state.
Meanwhile, 2 1/2 million Ohioans do not drive due to health, age, cost or preference. Baby Boomers need options to driving to avoid being housebound while more young people seek rail when they decide where to live and work.
The Vision…
Fast trains and more transit will give Ohioans real travel choices and foster pedestrian-friendly communities that require less infrastructure and energy.
If funding for trains & transit grew to be 5% of ODOT’s budget, transit agencies could expand services and high-speed rail can be realized.
Trains would serve 90% of Ohioans via nine routes offering 5-10 daily round trips traveling at 79-110 mph.
Convenient connections to local public transit, airports, universities, convention and sports facilities will be offered.
Trains will have WiFi, at-seat power outlets, bike racks, food and beverage service and “Quiet Cars.” Fares will be up to half the cost of bus travel, one-fifth the cost of driving and one-tenth the cost of short-distance air travel.
The Results…
Better passenger trains and public transit will reduce the cost of doing business and enhance our quality of life to make Ohio more competitive.
Ohioans using trains and transit can save nearly $10,000 per year to spend on better education and housing (SOURCE: APTA).
Fast rail services will cost less to build, save travel time and require fewer subsidies than other intercity travel modes.
Trains and walkable communities by stations will be energy efficient and pollute less than car-dependent suburban sprawl.
All Ohioans will be more mobile, business travelers will be more productive and Ohio citizens, businesses, cities, towns and opportunities will be more inter-connected.
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