Amtrak has warned it will suspend the Heartland Flyer by October 1 unless Texas provides funding, threatening mobility, tourism, and regional economic momentum between Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma City. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak has warned it will suspend the Heartland Flyer by October 1 unless Texas provides funding, threatening mobility, tourism, and regional economic momentum between Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma City
Photo: Amtrak

Amtrak Cites Missed Funding and World Cup Impact

The passenger rail service, which links major cities in Texas and Oklahoma, has operated for over 25 years. It carried more than 80,000 riders and earned $2.2 million in ticket revenue in fiscal 2024.

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Amtrak says the service eases traffic along the busy I-35 corridor and supports Fort Worth’s $3.5 billion tourism industry. The company is also investing $63 million in ADA upgrades at 16 Texas stations.

With Dallas-Fort Worth set to host more 2026 World Cup matches than any other U.S. city, Amtrak emphasized the Heartland Flyer will be critical in moving fans and visitors from Oklahoma and surrounding areas.

Amtrak and Local Leaders Stress Service Importance

TxDOT requested $7.05 million this year to fund the service for two years, but the request was not approved. Amtrak continues working with local and state officials to resolve the shortfall.

The Heartland Flyer connects to the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited, linking cities from Chicago to Los Angeles. Kansas and Oklahoma officials are working to expand it north to Newton, Kansas, connecting with the Southwest Chief.

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker called the train “central to the city’s tourism and mobility.” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt praised it as a “vital link supporting cross-border opportunity and economic growth.”

Under federal law, states must help fund Amtrak routes shorter than 750 miles. Texas now risks losing a service that has become essential to its transportation infrastructure and regional connections.

Source: www.masstransitmag.com

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