For more than 50 years, All Aboard Ohio (AAO) has advocated for smarter passenger rail and public transit options across the state. The nonprofit wants to give Ohioans the transportation options it deserves.
“People just need to realize that they deserve it, and that if we actually mobilize, things can change,” Mitch Radakovich, AAO board member, said.
Tomorrow, AAO plans to attend the Ohio Rail Development Commission meeting to demand that the commission include a representative to advocate for passenger rail. After the position stayed vacant for years, state law was revised through the 2025–26 state budget to eliminate the requirement.
As a result, Governor Mike DeWine appointed two stakeholders to “represent the interests of freight rail,” including government affairs representatives from CSX and Midwest & Bluegrass Rail. The long-debated proposed Amtrak line connecting Cleveland to Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati would run in part on existing CSX tracks that Amtrak would have to rent the rights to use.
“If you’re willing to remove the voice for passenger rail at these meetings, congratulations. You just signed up for 20 to 30 minutes of public comment every commission meeting.”
Nearly 80% of Ohioans want improved passenger rail, according to a 2025 study by the Ohio Department of Transportation. With multiple chapters across the state and over 6,000 members, the organization’s main goal is to mobilize people to demand efficient and affordable transportation options.
The Ohio Rail Development Commission is made up solely of appointed representatives, mostly by the governor. The next meeting takes place tomorrow (Jan. 22) in Columbus, though you can also attend online.
Redefining transportation in Ohio
When most people think about transportation, it almost always means cars. One of the biggest hurdles, Radakovich argues, is changing how people think beyond just cars. It requires a ton of momentum, he said.
“It’s a huge challenge to get people to realize that these other options could be more efficient, more comfortable, and even more affordable,” he said. After investments in public transit in Cincinnati, Radakovich said he lives across the street from a bus route that comes every 10 minutes.
“I always joke with my friends that I actually am not obsessed with trains, but with society,” he said, admitting that those same friends roll their eyes at that response. Radakovich graduated from Ohio State University with a minor in city planning, where he learned the importance of mobility in a community.
Throughout the state, Radakovich said that it’s typically the smallest towns who are the most excited to increase public transportation and passenger rail options.
“I truly believe that if we’re able to provide transportation choices that it’s going to unlock so much good for our big cities, but also our small towns,” he said. For example, in more rural areas, more transit options can help people reach the best hospitals, which are often located in larger cities.
Despite budget setbacks in Cleveland, other cities such as Columbus have made financial commitments to modernize public transit. For example, ridership spiked after Columbus increased its late night service in 2025.
“That’s what our job is now, to harness that excitement and make sure that people like Senator Bill Reineke know that this is important to the people [of Crestline, which has a proposed 3C+D stop] in his district,” Radakovich said. Over the last several years, AAO has fought for a bipartisan coalition to improve transit options across the state. Last year, advocates met with over 60 statehouse representatives to pass out literature and let officials know that constituents are paying attention.
“Transportation is a big topic in the statehouse, but we’re only thinking about cars. That’s why we’ve got to plant that bug in every single one of their minds,” Radakovich said.
All Aboard Ohio has chapters all over the state, including Clevelanders for Public Transit.
Tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can attend virtually or in-person to support increased passenger rail in Ohio. There will be opportunities to give public comment, whether you want to support AAO’s message or share a story of your own.
The meeting will be hosted at the Ohio Department of Public Safety (1970 West Broad Street) in Columbus. If you cannot attend in person, you can register online or call-in during the meeting at (213) 929-4212 and enter the access code: 777-656-165.