Amtrak May Cancel Heartland Flyer Route Due to Lack of Funding

Amtrak may suspend the Heartland Flyer train route as of October 1, 2025, if the state fails to provide the requested funding for the next two years. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The route connects Dallas/Fort Worth and Oklahoma City, easing pressure on Interstate 35 and offering residents access to jobs, education, and tourism.

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In the 2024 fiscal year, the train carried over 80,000 passengers and generated $2.2 million in ticket revenue. Daily service ensures reliable mobility between the two states.

Amtrak operates this route under contract with the transportation departments of Texas and Oklahoma. According to the PRIIA law, such routes—up to 750 miles—are co-funded by states.

The company has invested $63 million in upgrading 16 stations in Texas, making them accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. These improvements enhanced service quality and station conditions.

Funding Gap Threatens Amtrak Route Continuity

The Texas Department of Transportation requested $7.05 million to keep the route running, but the current budget does not include this amount, placing the service at risk.

This issue is especially pressing because Dallas will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and losing the train could strain local transportation.

Amtrak Relies on State Partnerships to Operate Key Routes

Amtrak currently operates 30 routes co-funded by 21 transportation agencies in 18 states. The Heartland Flyer remains a vital link in this network.

If canceled, the route’s suspension could set a dangerous precedent for other regional services that depend on state-level financial support.

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