Amtrak received $3.5 million in emergency funds to continue Heartland Flyer service through 2026 after Texas lawmakers declined to allocate the state’s share of support. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak Faces State Inaction, Finds Local Backing

The North Central Texas Council of Governments approved the funding using regional toll revenue. This step prevented the shutdown of Oklahoma’s only Amtrak rail connection.

Amtrak Secures $3.5M to Keep Heartland Flyer Running Through 2026
The “Heartland Flyer” | Image by Oklahoma Transportation/web

Texas Rail Advocates criticized the legislature for failing to act. TRA President Peter LeCody said state officials ignored TxDOT’s request to fund a service carrying over 82,000 passengers in 2024.

Don’t miss…DB Expands ICE 3neo Fleet for International Rail Growth

Oklahoma Senator Mark Mann supported the funding and highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the line into Kansas. He called it essential for regional growth and long-term planning.

Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer Delivers Economic and Tourism Value

Amtrak’s service generates significant returns. According to TRA, each $1 invested brings $5 back to local economies. Officials believe the investment is justified, especially ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Fort Worth, Gainesville, and Denton County leaders jointly emphasized the rail link’s importance to business and tourism. They warned that halting the train would harm economic mobility across North Texas.

Transportation Director Michael Morris stated that ending the route could force Texas to repay federal rail grants. He said that risk made the emergency vote even more urgent.

Officials acknowledged this funding provides only a short-term fix. While operations are safe for now, the council plans a ridership campaign and a long-term funding strategy.

Source: dallasexpress.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Old Sydney train station may reopen in major housing plan

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit