August 18, 20159 yr When I was young (~2-5 years old), I loved when we would drive down I-490 to get to my grandma's house because we got to pass by the spot where the "rapids went night night." I had especially always wanted to go inside maintenance facility, but for decades I could only use my imagination to see what happened there. I had a boyhood dream come true this weekend, thanks to AAO (at risk of sounding like too much of a nerd...) We even got to ride out of the facility on a LRT car back to the E 55th platform.
September 9, 20159 yr Monthly Local Meetings As always, monthly local meetings are held in Cleveland, Columbus & Toledo at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. This month, that's September 12th: CLEVELAND -- Conference room above the AAO office in the Sustainable Cleveland Center, Tower City Center (230 West Huron, downtown), above foot court and across from Hard Rock Cafe. Contact Ken Prendergast at 216-288-4883. PROPOSED AGENDA: Midwest FRA passenger rail study, Amtrak reauthorization/federal funding for expansion, AAO recommendations of Ohio Amtrak expansions (http://freepdfhosting.com/6e5762ebcf.pdf), Downtown Cleveland Intermodal Transportation Center, GCRTA state of good repair/capital improvements. COLUMBUS -- Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus. Contact Larry Robertson at 614-459-0359. NOTE -- OSU Buckeyes football game will be in Columbus on this day so consider alternate routes to/from meeting. PROPOSED AGENDA: Columbus transportation plan, Midwest FRA passenger rail study, Amtrak reauthorization/federal funding for expansion, AAO recommendations of Ohio Amtrak expansions (http://freepdfhosting.com/6e5762ebcf.pdf), local AAO events/fundraiser/activities, recent trip reports, and more. TOLEDO -- Amtrak station, Toledo MLK Plaza, 415 Emerald Ave. Contact Bill Gill 419-536-1924. PROPOSED AGENDA: Greyhound move to MLK Plaza station, Midwest FRA passenger rail study, Amtrak reauthorization/federal funding for expansion, AAO recommendations of Ohio Amtrak expansions (http://freepdfhosting.com/6e5762ebcf.pdf), OHERN/NOPRA/TMACOG reports, upcoming meetings/events. TOLEDO -- Save the date! Oct. 31 for AAO Fall Meeting. Details to be announced shortly. CINCINNATI -- Save the date! Nov. 18 for special AAO event in Cincinnati involving the Cincy Streetcar. ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 12, 20159 yr Ohio's leading passenger rail advocate of several decades died this week. Younger Ohioans should learn and remember the name of Tom Pulsifer... http://allaboardohio.org/2015/09/11/thomas-r-pulsifer-1943-2015/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 7, 20159 yr AAO upcoming events In addition to All Aboard Ohio's monthly events at 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month (Oct. 10), note our upcoming Fall Meeting on Oct. 31 in Toledo and our Celebrating The Streetcar on Nov. 18 in Cincinnati! See below... CLEVELAND -- Conference room above the AAO office in the Sustainable Cleveland Center, Tower City Center (230 West Huron, downtown), above foot court and across from Hard Rock Cafe. Contact Ken Prendergast at 216-288-4883. PROPOSED AGENDA: + GCRTA state of good repair/capital constraints and possible solutions + Downtown Cleveland Multimodal Transportation Center planning update + Amtrak service expansion proposal follow up, publicity, etc. + Federal funding updates & issues + National Train Day discussion COLUMBUS -- Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus. Contact Larry Robertson at 614-459-0359. NOTE -- Larry will be out of town but the meeting will go on! PROPOSED AGENDA: + Ideas for upcoming Columbus events + Amtrak, Passenger Rail and Mass Transit News---Be sure to bring your clippings, etc. + Update on Status and Publicity For Increased Amtrak Passenger Rail Service For Ohio + Transportation Planning in Central Ohio---COTA NextGen Meetings; Any Reports From Attendees? + AAO Columbus Group Movie/Fundraiser Event---Progress Report + Reports on Meetings Attended and more. TOLEDO -- Amtrak station, Toledo MLK Plaza, 415 Emerald Ave. Contact Bill Gill 419-536-1924. PROPOSED AGENDA: + Greyhound move to MLK Plaza station update + Federal funding updates & issues + OHERN/NOPRA/TMACOG reports, upcoming meetings/events. + National Train Day, and more. October 31 -- AAO FALL MEETING & Lake Shore Ltd 40th anniversary TIME: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (registration & refreshments 9:30 a.m.) LOCATION: Head Start meeting room, MLK Plaza (Amtrak station entrance), 415 Emerald Ave., TOLEDO AGENDA: + Presentation on Amtrak Lake Shore Limited 40th anniversary + Remembering Tom Pulsifer + FRA Midwest passenger rail plan, federal transportation funding update + Lunch on your own at nearby restaurants (info to be provided at meeting) COST: $10 (postcard to be mailed shortly) November 18 -- CELEBRATING THE STREETCAR TIME: 6 p.m. to whenever the food, beverages and music run out! LOCATION: The Transept, 1205 Elm Street (former church 1 block south of Music Hall), Over The Rhine, CINCINNATI Major infrastructure work on the Cincinnati Streetcar is wrapping up -- so let's celebrate! SPONSORED BY: the generosity of the Haile US Bank Foundation, Prus Construction & Acme Hardware. Acme (925 Main St) is also donating 10 gallons of free paint for a raffle (paint your house!). COST: suggested donation is $20 ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 11, 20159 yr AAO upcoming events In addition to All Aboard Ohio's monthly events at 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month (Nov. 14), note our Celebrating The Streetcar on Nov. 18 in Cincinnati and our big-screen showing of The Polar Express on Dec. 19 in Columbus! See below... CLEVELAND -- Conference room above the AAO office in the Sustainable Cleveland Center, Tower City Center (230 West Huron, downtown), above foot court and across from Hard Rock Cafe. Contact Ken Prendergast at 216-288-4883. PROPOSED AGENDA: + Downtown Cleveland Multimodal Transportation Center update (give your input to the revised conceptual plan!) + NEO transit vision to address 21st-century challenges + Federal transportation funding reauthorization updates & issues + National Train Day discussion COLUMBUS -- Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus. Contact Larry Robertson at 614-459-0359. NOTE -- Larry will be out of town but the meeting will go on! PROPOSED AGENDA: + Planning for Dec. 19 fundraiser/Polar Express showing + Transportation Planning in Central Ohio---COTA NextGen Meetings; Any Reports From Attendees? + Federal transportation funding reauthorization updates & issues + Reports on Meetings Attended and more. TOLEDO -- Amtrak station, Toledo MLK Plaza, 415 Emerald Ave. Contact Bill Gill 419-536-1924. PROPOSED AGENDA: + Greyhound move to MLK Plaza station update + Update on and input to TMACOG's newly separated passenger rail and transit committees + Federal transportation funding reauthorization updates & issues + National Train Day, and more. November 18 -- CELEBRATING THE STREETCAR TIME: 6 p.m. to whenever the food, beverages and music run out! LOCATION: The Transept, 1205 Elm Street (former church 1 block south of Music Hall), Over The Rhine, CINCINNATI Major infrastructure work on the Cincinnati Streetcar is wrapping up -- so let's celebrate! SPONSORED BY: the generosity of the Haile US Bank Foundation, Prus Construction, Acme Hardware & Red Bike! Acme (925 Main St) is also donating 10 gallons of free paint for a raffle (paint your house!). And Red Bike is donating passes for the raffle. COST: suggested donation is $20 December 19 at 10 a.m. (SAVE THE DATE!), showing of POLAR EXPRESS with intermission at the 1926-built Grandview Theater, 1247 Grandview Ave, Grandview Heights, OH. Cost is $5 for children 12 years and younger, $10 for youths, and $15 for adults. Adult moviegoers get a complimentary 1-year membership in All Aboard Ohio. ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 24, 20159 yr http://allaboardohio.org/2015/11/24/aao-presents-the-polar-express-at-grandview-theatre-at-10-am-dec-19/ AAO presents The Polar Express at Grandview Theatre at 10 am Dec. 19 November 24, 2015 Happy Holidays, Central Ohioans! Join All Aboard Ohio for a big-screen showing of The Polar Express at 10 a.m. Saturday Dec. 19 at the historic Grandview Theatre. All Aboard Ohio believes Ohioans deserve more and better trains and transit year-round. But there are few times of the year that unite trains and children of all ages more than the holiday season! We invite you to get on board: The Polar Express Saturday Dec. 19, 2015 @ 10:00 am Grandview Theatre (website) 1247 Grandview Avenue (map) Grandview Heights, OH One showing only! Theater doors open at 9:30 a.m. Show starts at 10:00 a.m. Raffle prizes awarded at intermission Children (<12) $5 / Youth (13-17) $10 / Adults $15 Advance tickets available online: http://polarexpressgrandview.eventbrite.com Presented by All Aboard Ohio, dedicated to promoting and improving transportation alternatives for all Ohioans. For more information, contact All Aboard Ohio at: Toll-free – 844-464-7245 E-mail – [email protected] "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 9, 20159 yr Upcoming AAO Meetings & Events In addition to All Aboard Ohio's monthly events at 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month (Dec. 12), note our big-screen showing of the Polar Express on Dec. 19 in Columbus! See below... CLEVELAND -- Conference room above the AAO office in the Sustainable Cleveland Center, Tower City Center (230 West Huron, downtown), above foot court and across from Hard Rock Cafe. Contact Ken Prendergast at 216-288-4883. PROPOSED AGENDA: + Federal transportation funding reauthorization - What it means to Ohio SEE OUR WEBSITE + Downtown Cleveland Multimodal Transportation Center update + NEO transit vision to address 21st-century challenges + National Train Day discussion COLUMBUS -- Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus. Contact Larry Robertson at 614-459-0359. NOTE -- Larry will be out of town but the meeting will go on! PROPOSED AGENDA: + Planning for Dec. 19 fundraiser/Polar Express showing + Federal transportation funding reauthorization - What it means to Ohio SEE OUR WEBSITE + Transportation Planning in Central Ohio---COTA NextGen Meetings, Metropolitan Club + Reports on Meetings Attended and more. TOLEDO -- Amtrak station, Toledo MLK Plaza, 415 Emerald Ave. Contact Bill Gill 419-536-1924. PROPOSED AGENDA: + Federal transportation funding reauthorization - What it means to Ohio SEE OUR WEBSITE + Greyhound move to MLK Plaza station update + Update on and input to TMACOG's newly separated passenger rail and transit committees + National Train Day, and more. December 19 at 10 a.m., Central Ohio AAO Fundraiser big-screen showing of THE POLAR EXPRESS with intermission at the 1926-built Grandview Theater, 1247 Grandview Ave, Grandview Heights (COLUMBUS). CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE! http://allaboardohio.org/2015/11/24/aao-presents-the-polar-express-at-grandview-theatre-at-10-am-dec-19/ Cost is $5 for children 12 years and younger, $10 for youths 13-17 years, and $15 for adults. Adult moviegoers get a complimentary 1-year membership in All Aboard Ohio. All Aboard Ohio is seeking sponsors at $250 each. Please contact us at [email protected] or toll-free at 844-464-7245. ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 6, 20169 yr Upcoming AAO Meetings & Events The following are at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 9th CLEVELAND -- Conference room above the AAO office in the Sustainable Cleveland Center, Tower City Center (230 West Huron, downtown), above foot court and across from Hard Rock Cafe. Contact Ken Prendergast at 216-288-4883. PROPOSED AGENDA: + Amtrak expansion -- Amtrak wants your ideas (see Pg. 3 of latest newsletter for All Aboard Ohio's ideas) + Downtown Cleveland Multimodal Transportation Center update + NEO transit vision to address 21st-century challenges + National Train Day discussion COLUMBUS -- Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus. Contact Larry Robertson at 614-459-0359. PROPOSED AGENDA: + Amtrak expansion -- Amtrak wants your ideas (see Pg. 3 of latest newsletter for All Aboard Ohio's ideas) + Transportation Planning in Central Ohio---COTA NextGen + Reports on meetings attended and more. TOLEDO -- Amtrak station, Toledo MLK Plaza, 415 Emerald Ave. Contact Bill Gill 419-536-1924. PROPOSED AGENDA: + Amtrak expansion -- Amtrak wants your ideas (see Pg. 3 of latest newsletter for All Aboard Ohio's ideas) + MLK Plaza station expansion update + Update on and input to TMACOG's newly separated passenger rail and transit committees + National Train Day, and more. ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 6, 20169 yr Yes "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 11, 20169 yr Our e-Edition newsletter is back! http://allaboardohio.org/2016/01/08/our-e-edition-newsletter-is-back/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 26, 20169 yr It's going to be a busy May for All Aboard Ohio! Come to one of these events, all of which are open to the public. Only the Annual Meeting incurs a small registration fee, but you'll get well-fed! May 2: CINCINNATI/Southwest Ohio Spring Meeting -- Monday, May 2, 6 pm at Pi Pizzeria, 199 E 6th St, downtown Cincinnati. Agenda & details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/220256968350451/ May 7: TOLEDO/National Train Day -- Saturday, May 7, 9:30 am-4 pm, MLK Plaza/Amtrak station, 300 Martin Luther King Jr., Toledo. Attractions, events & details here: http://www.tmacog.org/National_Train_Day_Toledo.htm May 14: CLEVELAND/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, May 14, 10 am-12 noon, Conference room above the AAO office in the Sustainable Cleveland Center, Tower City Center (230 West Huron, downtown), above foot court and across from Hard Rock Cafe. Contact Ken Prendergast at 216-288-4883. Agenda: Amtrak expansion, Lakefront Multimodal Transportation Center update, NEO transit update. May 14: COLUMBUS/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, May 14, 10 am-12 noon, Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus. Contact Larry Robertson at 614-459-0359. Agenda: Transportation Planning in Central Ohio, reports on meetings attended and more. May 21: COLUMBUS/AAO Annual Meeting -- 10 am to 2 pm (registration at 9:30 am) Spaghetti Warehouse, 397 W. Broad St., Columbus. Late registration after May 18? Contact: Ken Prendergast at 216-288-4883. Pay online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-aboard-ohio-annual-meeting-2016-tickets-21608607928?aff=eac2 Agenda: former AAO Chairman Ron Sheck PhD--"The Way It Was: 50+ years of riding trains across Ohio"; Josh Lapp, Vice Chair, Transit Columbus--"Central Ohio rail/transit planning update." AAO elections, updates, board meeting, continental breakfast, lunch. Registration for members: $25 per head of party & $15 for each additional person in your party. Non-members $35 per attendee, including 2016 membership in All Aboard Ohio. ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 8, 20169 yr June All Aboard Ohio events! Come to one of these All Aboard Ohio events, all of which are open to the public. Also note that we will restart Youngstown local AAO meetings in late July and that we will combine the summer/fall meetings into a two-day event September 23/24 in Cincinnati surrounding the city's new Streetcar (opens Sept. 9) and the possibility of a daily Amtrak Cardinal. Stay tuned for details! June 11: TOLEDO -- No meeting this month. June 11: CLEVELAND/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, June 11, 10 am-12 noon, Conference room above the AAO office in the Sustainable Cleveland Center, Tower City Center (230 West Huron, downtown). Contact Ken Prendergast at 216-288-4883. Agenda: Amtrak expansion, Lakefront Multimodal Transportation Center update, NEO transit update. June 11: COLUMBUS/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, June 11, 10 am-12 noon, Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Meeting Room B, Columbus. Contact Larry Robertson at 614-459-0359. Agenda: Central Ohio rail line abandonments/downgradings, Smart Cities initiative, Columbus Castings future, reports on meetings attended and more. Thanks again for your support of All Aboard Ohio! If you haven't renewed your 2016 dues, please RENEW today at http://allaboardohio.org/join-us/ Also, it's not too late to write to your member of Congress in support of the maximum funding for passenger rail programs. For details, click on our ACTION ALERT at http://allaboardohio.org/2016/05/25/urgent-action-alert/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 6, 20168 yr July All Aboard Ohio events! Come to one of these All Aboard Ohio events, all of which are open to the public. Also note that we are restarting Youngstown local AAO meetings July 28 and that we will combine the summer/fall meetings into a two-day event September 23/24 in Cincinnati surrounding the city's new Streetcar (opens Sept. 9) and the possibility of a daily Amtrak Cardinal. Stay tuned for details! July 9: TOLEDO -- No meeting this month. July 9: CLEVELAND/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, July 9, 10 am-12 noon, Conference room above the AAO office in the Sustainable Cleveland Center, Tower City Center (230 West Huron, downtown). Contact Ken Prendergast at 216-288-4883. Agenda: worsening transit crisis (much deeper cuts coming in 2017!), need for a multi-county transit plan & funding, other news and updates. July 9: COLUMBUS/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, July 9, 10 am-12 noon, Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Meeting Room A, Columbus. Contact Larry Robertson at 614-459-0359. Agenda: Columbus winning the Smart Cities initiative (tech vs trains?), latest news, reports on meetings attended and more. July 28: YOUNGSTOWN/AAO Local Meeting -- Thursday, July 28, 6 pm-7:30 pm, The Fifth Floor Restaurant, 201 E Commerce St, downtown Youngstown. Contact John Fahnert at 330-565-5699. Agenda: Organizing local support for routing expanded Amtrak service via Youngstown & New Castle. And yes, it's still not too late to write to your member of Congress in support of the maximum funding for passenger rail programs. For details, click on our ACTION ALERT at http://allaboardohio.org/2016/05/25/urgent-action-alert/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 8, 20168 yr August 2016 e-Edition newsletter http://allaboardohio.org/2016/08/08/august-2016-e-edition-newsletter/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 6, 20168 yr September 2016 e-Edition newsletter http://allaboardohio.org/2016/09/06/september-2016-e-edition-newsletter/ Download the September 2016 issue to read the following stories: + Cincy Bell Connector starts Sept. 9 + Join AAO’s campaign to save Ohio transit + Wick Moorman starts work as Amtrak’s new CEO + Update on Amtrak, expansion federal funding + Amtrak to invest $2.45B in NE high-speed trains + Virginia moves forward on multimodal Atlantic Gateway + Illustration of the month/Toledo MLK Plaza Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any difficulties downloading the newsletter or if you have any comments or questions. Thank you! ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 5, 20168 yr UPCOMING MEETINGS Come to one of these All Aboard Ohio events, all of which are open to the public. Only the Toledo Rail Forum incurs a registration fee, but you'll get fed! Oct. 8: TOLEDO/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 am-12 noon, AAO office, 3rd floor (enter ground floor via Amtrak station) 300 MLK Jr. Drive, Toledo. Agenda: MLK Plaza improvements, Amtrak expansion, Midwest FRA plan, Toledo Train Day, Michigan developments. Oct. 8: CLEVELAND/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 am-12 noon, 3rd-level conference room located above the AAO office in the Sustainable Cleveland Center, Tower City Center (230 West Huron, downtown), Contact Ken Prendergast at 216-288-4883. Agenda: Amtrak expansion, Lakefront Multimodal Transportation Center update, NEO transit update, Midwest FRA plan. Oct. 8: COLUMBUS/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 am-12 noon, Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus. Contact Larry Robertson at 614-459-0359. Agenda: Cincinnati Streetcar lessons for Columbus, Midwest FRA plan, reports on meetings attended and more. Oct. 24: TOLEDO Rail Forum -- (organized by the NW Ohio Passenger Rail Assoc.) Monday, Oct. 24, 11 am - 1 pm, The Toledo Club, 235 14th Street, Toledo. Guest speaker is Gene Skoropowski of All Aboard Florida/Brightline on its Orlando-Miami passenger rail project. Business attire required. Cost is $25-$55. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recreating-intercity-passenger-rail-in-florida-back-to-the-future-tickets-27714139738 ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 6, 20168 yr Download the October 2016 issue to read the following stories at: http://allaboardohio.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/1-Oct2016.pdf + Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar sees 200K+ riders in 3 weeks + Midwest regional rail plan underway + Cardinal Conference in Cincy seeks daily trains + Toledo Amtrak station $1.2M upgrades OK’d + Congress OKs full year of Amtrak funding in CR + NS builds link to ease NE Ohio rail traffic jams + Lake Shore reroute via Michigan postponed + Four decades of AAO history is now online! Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any difficulties downloading the newsletter or if you have any comments or questions. Thank you! ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 7, 20168 yr UPCOMING MEETINGS Come to one of these All Aboard Ohio events, all of which are open to the public... Dec. 9: TOLEDO/AAO Local Meeting -- Friday, Dec. 9, 3 pm-5 pm, AAO office, 3rd floor (park in upper lot and use upper entrance to MLK Plaza -- not Amtrak entrance) 300 MLK Jr. Drive, Toledo. Contact Bill Gill at 419-536-1924. Agenda: MLK Plaza improvements, Amtrak expansion, Toledo Train Day, TARTA levy, Michigan developments. Dec. 10: CLEVELAND/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 am-12 noon, 3rd-level conference room located above the AAO office in the Sustainable Cleveland Center, Tower City Center (230 West Huron, downtown). Contact Ken Prendergast at 216-288-4883. Agenda: Amtrak expansion, Lakefront Multimodal Transportation Center update, NEO transit update. Dec. 10: COLUMBUS/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 am-12 noon, Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus. Contact Larry Robertson at 614-459-0359. Agenda: Columbus-Chicago rail plan, COTA levy, reports on meetings attended and more. ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 16, 20168 yr December 2016 e-Edition newsletter Download the December 2016 issue to read the following stories: + Gov. Kasich reportedly has ‘tight’ budget for ODOT in next 2 years + How will Trump affect rail & transit? + Daily Cardinal service gaining more friends + Without investment, Ohio rail jobs departing + Amtrak ridership, revenues hit record highs + New Viewliner II diners start hitting the rails + Cleveland RTA rail stations see improvements + Illustration of the month + Mad Jack Challenge fundraiser exceeds goal! Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any difficulties downloading the newsletter or if you have any comments or questions. Thank you! http://allaboardohio.org/2016/12/15/december-2016-e-edition-newsletter/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 9, 20178 yr Download the May 2017 issue to read the following stories: + Ohio could be a big beneficiary of funding boosts for Amtrak, transit + Ohio provides tiny boost for transit + West Virginia creates the Cardinal Compact + Pennsylvania weighs Keystone West expansion + CVSR ridership grows 15% in 2016, sets record + Developments growing at Cleveland rail stations + Illustration of the month (Cincinnati award) + NARP CEO to speak at AAO’s Spring Meeting Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any difficulties downloading the newsletter or if you have any comments or questions. Thank you! http://allaboardohio.org/2017/05/09/may-2017-e-edition-newsletter/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 9, 20178 yr ^The Republican-controlled Congress increasing funding for transit and Amtrak!? How the heck did that happen? Certainly AAO's work on Bob Gibbs likely had an effect but I'm still shocked, especially with that liberty or freedom caucus (or whatever they're called) pushing that nutty, so-called health care alternative plan which, hopefully, is DOA with the Senate. A 14.5% increase for Amtrak is nice but still not enough... but at least it's trending in the right (meaning correct) direction.
May 9, 20178 yr ^The Republican-controlled Congress increasing funding for transit and Amtrak!? How the heck did that happen? Certainly AAO's work on Bob Gibbs likely had an effect but I'm still shocked, especially with that liberty or freedom caucus (or whatever they're called) pushing that nutty, so-called health care alternative plan which, hopefully, is DOA with the Senate. A 14.5% increase for Amtrak is nice but still not enough... but at least it's trending in the right (meaning correct) direction. We discovered that most members of Congress wanted to fulfill their promises made in the authorizations of the five-year Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, passed in December 2015. Because it was passed well into the 2016 federal fiscal year, no funding was provided for the new programs in the FAST Act. And action on the 2017 appropriations were delayed to see what the new administration wanted to do. When Congress saw that the Trump Administration ignored the FAST Act funding authorizations, Congress ignored Trump. Even the Tea Partiers ignored Trump when it came to funding transit, Amtrak and the three new passenger rail programs. However the Freedom Caucus was on Trump's side. They appear to be more interested in burning down the federal government and going back to an uncoordinated collection of autonomous states (except when it comes to funding roads). "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 9, 20178 yr ^Good points. I've noticed that Republican congressmen in the Northeast Corridor, particularly around big cities like Philadelphia, tend to be pro-rail... not as strong as a pro-rail Democrat, but still pro-rail, nonetheless; unlike those rail-hating crazies in the South and the Midwest farmlands - including Ohio!
June 11, 20178 yr Download the June 2017 issue to read the following stories: http://allaboardohio.org/2017/06/11/june-2017-e-edition-newsletter/ + Columbus funds plan forpassenger rail to Chicago via Fort Wayne, Lima + Midwest rail plan sets new blueprint + Windsor-Toronto HSR is finally progressing + Chicago Union Station development announced + National “Rally For Trains”events this summer + RTA breaks ground on $7.5 million Campus station + Illustration of the month (Toledo Train Day) + Campaign starts for better Cincinnati transit Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any difficulties downloading the newsletter or if you have any comments or questions. Thank you! ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 15, 20177 yr Download the July 2017 issue to read the following stories: http://allaboardohio.org/2017/07/14/july-2017-e-edition-newsletter/ + Ohio cuts funding for transit, rail that create, access jobs and development + NOACA OK's a robust transit plan for Greater Cleveland + Nashville studies airport lease to expand transit + Ohio hosts a trio of “Rally For Trains” events + Cincy transit vote delayed until after mayoral vote + Illustration of the month (Columbus' rainy Rally For Trains event) + Join us at Age of Steam roundhouse Aug. 12! Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any difficulties downloading the newsletter or if you have any comments or questions. Thank you! ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 15, 20177 yr ^Very interesting issue, notably NOACA's Aim Forward 2040 report which I need to fully digest.
September 6, 20177 yr UPCOMING MEETINGS Come to one of these All Aboard Ohio events, all of which are free and open to the public... Sept. 8: TOLEDO/AAO Local Meeting -- Friday, Sept. 8, 3 pm-5 pm, AAO office, 3rd floor (park in upper lot and use upper entrance to MLK Plaza -- not Amtrak entrance) 300 MLK Jr. Drive, Toledo. Contact Bill Gill at 419-536-1924. Agenda: Federal rail/transit funding, special rail excursion planning, May 2018 Toledo Train Day planning. Sept. 9: CLEVELAND/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 am-12 noon, 3rd-level conference room located above the AAO office in the Sustainable Cleveland Center, Tower City Center (230 West Huron, downtown). Contact Ken Prendergast at 216-288-4883. Agenda: Federal rail/transit funding, state issues, private sector funding, GCRTA state of good repair/expansion; Transit Oriented Development, etc. Sept. 9: COLUMBUS/AAO Local Meeting -- Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 am-12 noon, Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus. Contact Larry Robertson at 614-459-0359. Agenda: Federal rail/transit funding, state issues, Columbus-Chicago rail plan, reports on meetings attended and more. ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 20, 20204 yr "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 31, 20204 yr Well, @KJP, I finally made a donation and joined AAO. I really hope the downtown Cleveland Loop proposals are successful. How big of a donation would it take to get AAO's web page out of the stone age? Ha ha. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
December 31, 20204 yr 39 minutes ago, Boomerang_Brian said: Well, @KJP, I finally made a donation and joined AAO. I really hope the downtown Cleveland Loop proposals are successful. How big of a donation would it take to get AAO's web page out of the stone age? Ha ha. THANKS!!! About $5K? That way we could hire a decent web designer. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 31, 20204 yr @taestell ^ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
December 31, 20204 yr 2 hours ago, Boomerang_Brian said: Well, @KJP, I finally made a donation and joined AAO. I really hope the downtown Cleveland Loop proposals are successful. How big of a donation would it take to get AAO's web page out of the stone age? Ha ha. I've seen worse! It's not awful 😃
January 7, 20214 yr On 12/31/2020 at 2:02 PM, Boomerang_Brian said: Well, @KJP, I finally made a donation and joined AAO. I really hope the downtown Cleveland Loop proposals are successful. How big of a donation would it take to get AAO's web page out of the stone age? Ha ha. Being a mostly volunteer organization with a small budget, a volunteer web designer would be most helpful. Then money could be spent on other things.
January 7, 20214 yr Problem is, volunteers get "distracted" by their paying clients. So even when a volunteer has the best of intentions, the work often doesn't get done. I had someone come up with some great mock-ups on a beta site for a new website and I never heard from him again. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 24, 20213 yr AAO held its annual meeting this morning via Zoom, which we recorded. There were excellent presentations by representatives of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, the new Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.... Here is the link for the Zoom Meeting Video: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/knhuSvcz-2JOjy14mt419_Sfljs9MOo3WxRLMtrGYpTSWJ_nnUo-SkvJqPnQgGyD.FUz5z5_QNl9w7IcE Passcode: AA%1i7cW "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 23, 20213 yr I resigned from All Aboard Ohio. Three years ago I was getting burned out & frustrated after 35 years of futility. So I brought Stu Nicholson on as public affairs director in the hopes he could take over. At the start of 2020, we switched titles. Now AAO is in good hands. Time to move on. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 23, 20213 yr 14 minutes ago, KJP said: I resigned from All Aboard Ohio. Three years ago I was getting burned out & frustrated after 35 years of futility. So I brought Stu Nicholson on as public affairs director in the hopes he could take over. At the start of 2020, we switched titles. Now AAO is in good hands. Time to move on. Sad, but understandable. Thanks for your efforts! When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
September 23, 20213 yr 11 hours ago, KJP said: I resigned from All Aboard Ohio. Three years ago I was getting burned out & frustrated after 35 years of futility. So I brought Stu Nicholson on as public affairs director in the hopes he could take over. At the start of 2020, we switched titles. Now AAO is in good hands. Time to move on. Thanks for your longstanding advocacy. In spite of our state and GCRTA leadership, hope to see meaningful progress with passenger rail in our state, with AAO continuing to serve its role. It's been great to see your writing become more prolific as you've shifted your priorities.
September 24, 20213 yr I feel ya KJP, there's only so much frustration one can take in their work life. Getting beaten down by the extremely well-funded automobile lobby in this state (who I suspect is spending much more than people think and has more influence than perceived as well) since there are so many auto plants and suppliers can wear you out long term. I'm not sure if Honda does much with this, but Ford, Jeep, GM, Firestone, ZF and countless smaller suppliers have a long, extensive history here and the NADA (the auto dealer association) is currently headed up by one of the owners of Ricart Ford. Even the State Highway Patrol -- who is one of the most, if not the most, powerful lobbies in the state -- has interests counter to rail in order to maintain their relevance.
September 24, 20213 yr 15 hours ago, KJP said: I resigned from All Aboard Ohio. Three years ago I was getting burned out & frustrated after 35 years of futility. So I brought Stu Nicholson on as public affairs director in the hopes he could take over. At the start of 2020, we switched titles. Now AAO is in good hands. Time to move on. You can only do so much til you have to pass the baton. And I assume the blog is keeping you busy these days. It really is a shame Strickland lost the 2010 election, things would have been different if he won.
January 10, 20223 yr Looks like my AAO dues are being put to good use: When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
January 29, 20223 yr Yes "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 6, 20223 yr New AAO web page dropped: https://www.allaboardohio.org When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
February 21, 20223 yr I have finally become a member. Let’s hope we can convince the state that we need passenger rail.
March 11, 20223 yr Has anyone attended one of these virtual AAO meetings on zoom before? I’m interested in hopping on and listening in tomorrow.
August 11, 20222 yr All Aboard Ohio chapter meetings coming up. Good afternoon fellow All Aboard Ohio Advocates: Please join us for one of our chapter meetings coming up! Find your local chapter below or join us via zoom for the Northwest (Cleveland area) or Southwest (Cincinnati area) chapter meetings. NORTHWEST (CLEVELAND) CHAPTER: ZOOM CALL! Saturday, August 13 at 10:00 am via zoom. We will discuss the latest passenger rail developments and other important public transit news. See below for the Zoom link and log-in information. CENTRAL OHIO CHAPTER: IN PERSON! Saturday, August 20 at 10:00 a.m. at the Grandview Heights Public Library, Conference Room B (1685 W. First Ave, Columbus, OH). No RSVP is necessary. We will hear updates from the AAO board, passenger rail, and public transit updates, and discuss potential future advocacy opportunities and any Amtrak-specific experiences or service-related issues. TOLEDO OHIO CHAPTER: IN PERSON! Friday, September 9 at 3:00 p.m. at the Toledo Amtrak Station, 3rd Floor (415 Emerald Avenue, Toledo, OH). SOUTHWEST OHIO CHAPTER: IN PERSON & ZOOM! Saturday, September 24 at 9:30 a.m. at the Cincinnati Railroad Club (1301 Western Avenue, 3rd Floor, Cincinnati, OH). Space is limited to the first 20 RSVPs; the meeting will be live via zoom for all others who wish to join. To see future meeting dates and other events, please visit allaboardohio.org/meetings-events. NORTHWEST (CLEVELAND) MEETING ZOOM INVITATION: All Aboard Ohio is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: AAO Cleveland Chapter Meeting Time: Aug 13, 2022 10:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83916090261?pwd=Y3VUL3krbUE3V3owTE4yUXlvWmRkdz09 Meeting ID: 839 1609 0261 Passcode: 068000 One tap mobile +16469313860,,83916090261#,,,,*068000# US +13017158592,,83916090261#,,,,*068000# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location +1 646 931 3860 US +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 309 205 3325 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 669 444 9171 US +1 719 359 4580 US +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 386 347 5053 US +1 564 217 2000 US Meeting ID: 839 1609 0261 Passcode: 068000 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kIhfJJTwf Beth Russell Public Affairs Director Phone: 614.562.1086 3136 Kingsdale Center #112, Columbus, OH 43221 Web: allaboardohio.org Email: [email protected] When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
August 13, 20222 yr I participated in the AAO / Northeast chapter meeting this morning. Ken Sislak covered some of the passenger efforts around the country. One note was the importance of proper government coordination of grants - the need to get many government entities on the same page before applying for federal grants. His presentation will be posted on the AAO web page soon. AAO requests that supporters go to the webpage and sign the "call to action" requesting Ohio pursue the available Fed legislation. It should show up as a pop-up once the page loads: https://www.allaboardohio.org/ I found some of the sidebar comments more interesting: - They talked about advocating with Ohio legislature and pointed out that they do have a few vocal R supporters in each Chamber. - Lorain county commissioners have reached an agreement with Norfolk-Southern to move Elyria's passenger station back to historic station downtown. NS is still only allowing for one platform, even though the station would allow for more. So both directions will still have to use the same track for boarding. But this is a nice upgrade for downtown Elyria, especially if we get more trains in the future. - Sandusky is working on renovating and moving back into the historic station. (Same location as current station, the just aren't using the old building today) Apparently RTA put out a second bid for rail cars, pushing all the adaptions to the railcars (as opposed to modifying stations and infrastructure). They did not receive any viable bids. Lots of internal inertia resisting the station upgrades that would better accommodate a unified fleet. No update on Waterfront line bridge either. Bedrock is supportive of extending CVSRR is interesting to downtown. Really this one is just a matter of money. If anyone knows of formal fundraising efforts, please share them. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
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