SOMETHING IS SHIFTING IN OHIO.
For decades, passenger rail lived in planning documents and "someday" language. The ideas were sound. The case was strong. But the momentum felt just out of reach. Not anymore.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This Summit Is for You If…
1
YOU'RE A PUBLIC OFFICIAL
State legislators, city planners, and transit agency leaders who need to understand where federal rail programs are headed, and what it means for their constituents.
3
YOU'RE AN ADVOCATE
Community organizers, nonprofit leaders, and transit champions who know that better rail means better lives, and who want the tools and allies to push it forward.
2
YOU WORK IN TRANSPORTATION
Engineers, planners, and consultants whose work touches corridors, infrastructure, or regional mobility, and who want a seat at Ohio's most important rail table.
4
YOU'RE A REGIONAL PARTNER
Business leaders, economic development orgs, and civic institutions who understand that connected communities attract investment, and want rail to be part of that story.
"Passenger rail in Ohio is no longer a niche issue. It is part of a broader discussion about mobility, infrastructure, and regional connectivity, and it requires a forum that brings those voices together."
— Mitch Radakovich, Board Chair, All Aboard Ohio
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
2026 PROGRAM
2026: Two Days.
One Movement.
DAY 1
PRE-SUMMIT RECEPTION
Friday, April 17, 2026 · 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Columbus' Historic Trolley House
Kick off the Summit weekend at Columbus' storied Trolley House. This evening reception is free for all — a chance to meet fellow advocates, speakers, and transportation leaders in a relaxed, historic setting.
DAY 2
THE OHIO RAIL SUMMIT
Saturday, April 18, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
9:00 AM
Doors Open & Registration
10:00 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
All Aboard Ohio
12:30 PM
Lunch Break & Networking
1:10 PM
Afternoon Opening
1:20 PM
Update from the Lakeshore Rail Alliance
1:35 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
2026 RECAP
Read The Stories
2026 Ohio Rail Summit Sponsors
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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
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
