Texas-Oklahoma Rail Line Serving Thousands Could Be Scrapped
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Amtrak has stated that it will have to suspend its Heartland Flyer service, which operates between Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma City, adjacent to the I-35 corridor, unless it receives additional funding from the state of Texas.
Newsweek reached out to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Transportation via email for comment.
Why It Matters
According to Amtrak, the Heartland Flyer served over 80,000 customers in the 2024 fiscal year, bringing in $2.2 million in ticket sales, with the Texan economy benefiting "significantly" from the service.
The company said that the Heartland Flyer "generates $5.3 million in direct economic benefits and an estimated $23.7 million in overall economic activity." It warned its end would weaken transportation links to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which is due to host several 2026 Soccer World Cup matches.
What To Know
In a press release published on Thursday, Amtrak said it would have to suspend the Heartland Flyer service "no later than Oct. 1 unless Texas secures its share of funding."
Amtrak said earlier this year that the Texas Department of Transportation asked for $7.05 million to support the Heartland Flyer, but this "was not approved in the legislative budget cycle."
The Heartland Flyer is a state-supported train, meaning it connects multiple settlements along a route of less than 750 miles, with the project funded by state authorities in Texas and Oklahoma and operated in partnership with both states' transportation departments.
A map showing the current Heartland Flyer line from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City.
A map showing the current Heartland Flyer line from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City.
Amtrak/Google Maps
Overall, Amtrak runs 30 state-supported routes across the country, working with 21 agencies from 18 states.
Heartland Flyer is also connected to the Texas Eagle service, which runs to Chicago and San Antonio, and the Sunset Limited, which travels between San Antonio, El Paso and Los Angeles.
On Wednesday, the Trump administration warned that it could slash federal funding for the currently under-construction California High-Speed Rail line, intended to link Los Angeles and San Francisco.
What People Are Saying
Amtrak President Roger Harris, in a press release: "Reliable rail service provides a vital transportation option for residents and visitors alike, strengthening regional mobility, economic development, and tourism.
"With service that supports Texas' continued economic growth and the region's connectivity, sustaining the Heartland Flyer is essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring long term mobility in the region."
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, in the same press release: "The Heartland Flyer is key to ensuring Fort Worth's continued success as a global destination and is central to the city's tourism industry, business community, and thriving economy. Fort Worth is the busiest Amtrak station in Texas – generating millions in economic impact annually – and as people continue to move to our region, travel reliability, mobility choices, and connectivity will be key to our competitiveness."
Gainesville Mayor Tommy Moore, in the press release: "This is more than just trains and tracks. The Heartland Flyer supports nearly $20 million in annual economic activity and almost 30 full-time jobs. It provides a vital transportation option for Texans and Oklahomans alike – and losing it will be a major setback for mobility, our environment, and our economy. By working together, I believe we can find a solution that keeps the Heartland Flyer on track. I'll keep the public informed every step of the way, and I'll keep fighting to make sure this critical service stays in place for years to come."
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, in the press release: "Oklahoma City has long been committed to a comprehensive, connected transportation system, and we have benefited from the Heartland Flyer's contribution to that vision. We recognize that Texas benefits greatly from the visits of our residents via the Flyer, and we also deeply appreciate the amenity and the connection to the entire Amtrak system. The Heartland Flyer is a vital link that supports economic opportunity throughout our region."
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether Texan authorities will provide the funding Amtrak says is required to keep the Heartland Flyer operating.
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