- Actively promotes passenger rail as a viable transit option at
public events with emphasis on the disabled.
NOPRA believes that designing a transit process that allows for a smooth transition from home to train and back to home. If we design the transit process from starting at the standpoint of those who would have the hardest time navigating transit, the ability for a person with no physical or mental disabilities to access the transit system would be naturally easier.
- Work closely with our partners such as Toledo City Council, Lucas County Commissioners, TMACOG, All Aboard Ohio, Lake Shore Alliance, and other passenger rail, business, and governmental groups to push for the improvement of passenger rail throughout the state.
The ability to design, implement, and sustain a statewide passenger rail transportation system will require the collaboration and cooperation of all advocates. The ability to inform the public of the importance and necessity of how rail transit can play an important role in their lives will require consistent messaging from all backers. We must look not only to those who are obvious partners but seek out and invite those who we would like to join.
- An aggressive marketing strategy to have the Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit corridor to be the first approved corridor for the state.
NOPRA believe there is sound fiscal evidence that the promotion and upgrading of our passenger rail transit system in Toledo would be a catalyst to spur economic growth in our region. We believe that the active promotion of reasonably priced, daytime, afternoon, and evening routes within the region is necessary if growth is going to be achieved. Approaching our state and governmental partners and showing that their investment in our corridor first makes a sound investment for the state.
- Developing a younger membership base through engagement to expand our reach and make sure that this organization is set up for the future.
NOPRA believes that it will take a long-term commitment from our organization to get passenger rail up, running, and competitive. Doing that will require developing a much younger membership to keep the organization moving toward the future. Approaching colleges, youth groups, civic organizations, among others, is an important strategy that we embrace.
NOPRA is the primary 501(c)(3) advocacy group for passenger rail consisting of a strong consortium of public and private sector leaders in Northwest Ohio. We advocate to improve train frequency, schedule reliability, and public awareness of the benefits of public transit using passenger rail through Toledo along the Northwest Ohio rail corridor.