2 days ago
Heartland Flyer facing permanent suspension after Texas legislature declines funding
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Heartland Flyer, Oklahoma's only Amtrak train route, is facing permanent suspension after Texas lawmakers declined to fund its share of the route's budget.
Since June 14, 1999, the Heartland Flyer has provided daily routes between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas. The Heartland Flyer is a jointly funded partnership between ODOT and TXDOT, using each state's tax dollars.
Passenger train between OKC, Fort Worth could soon see its last ride
The Heartland Flyer was recently being considered for expansion to Kansas.
Amtrak, which operates the route, says funding decisions for state-sponsored services are determined locally.
Peter LeCody, president of Texas Rail Advocates, says losing the train would hurt both Texas and Oklahoma.
'If it should go away because of budget constraints in Texas, we're going to be putting probably more than 50,000 vehicles back on Interstate 35, and that's not a good deal,' said LeCody.
According to Derek Sparks, Director of Government Relations for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the train is needed now more than ever.
'We are literally in an incredible moment for marketing our community, and it is correct to say that the timing is very unfortunate that we would be losing something that many people who come here may enjoy in their own community, and it sends the wrong signal,' said Sparks.
The Texas Department of Transportation requested $7M to uphold their end of the deal, but the funds were not approved in Texas's budget cycle.
It could also have an economic impact on both states.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has implied he's not picking up the slack.
'We'll see what we have to do on this side,' Stitt said. 'We're not going to pick up their end of that. And so we're not sure exactly what's going to happen with that.'
The Texas Department of Transportation says it has no contractual obligations to Oklahoma.
However, Amtrak did say they're seeking possible solutions, but so far, no specifics.
Democratic Senator Mark Mann has supported the Heartland Flyer for years, issuing a statement about Texas's decision to no longer fund the rail service.
While it was disheartening to learn that the Texas legislature failed to fund their portion of the Heartland Flyer, I am not feeling defeated. There are still other options that can and need to be explored in order to secure the funding necessary to continue service. I am currently working with the Oklahoma City Chamber to identify a coalition of interested stakeholders to explore how we can secure funding and continue the Heartland Flyer train service.
Sen. Mark Mann
The budget for the train service runs out sometime before October 1, 2025.
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