Amtrak: Heartland Flyer service could end due to lack of funding

Amtrak is calling on the Texas Legislature to continue its share of funding of the Heartland Flyer passenger-rail service or the train will stop running by Oct. 1.

For more than than 25 years, the Heartland Flyer has transported passengers between Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma City along the Interstate 35 Corridor. Although TxDOT requested $7.05 million to keep the route running through 2027, the Texas Legislature chose not to fund the train's share of the operations beyond this year, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

Serving over 80,000 riders in fiscal-year 2024 and reaching $2.2 million in ticket revenue, the Heartland Flyer alleviates congestion on one of Texas’ busiest highways and supports workforce mobility and job access, according to Amtrak.

"Reliable rail service provides a vital transportation option for residents and visitors alike, strengthening regional mobility, economic development and tourism,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “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.”

Amtrak will continue to work with state and local partners to address the funding challenge and will provide a specific suspension date at a later time, Amtrak officials said.

The Heartland Flyer is a state-supported Amtrak route, meaning it is operated by Amtrak but funded by the Oklahoma and Texas state departments of transportation. Local government officials in both states called for the passenger-rail service to continue.

"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," said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. "Fort Worth is the busiest Amtrak station in Texas, and as people continue to move to our region, travel reliability, mobility choices and connectivity will be key to our competitiveness."

Said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt: "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."