Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer rail service, which connects Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, is facing potential suspension by 1 October 2025 unless the State of Texas allocates additional funding.
Operated by Amtrak in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Heartland Flyer has served as a regional transport link for over two decades.
Under federal law—specifically Section 209 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA)—states are required to fund Amtrak services on routes shorter than 750 miles. The Heartland Flyer, which travels along the I-35 corridor, falls within this category and depends on state-level support to remain in operation.
Amtrak President Roger Harris said:Reliable rail service provides a vital transportation option for residents and visitors alike, strengthening regional mobility, economic development, and tourism.
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.
During the last financial year, the Heartland Flyer carried more than 80,000 passengers and generated 2.2 million USD in ticket revenue. The service helps ease road congestion between two urban centres and contributes to workforce mobility. The Fort Worth tourism sector, valued at 3.5 billion USD, is among the local economies that benefit from the rail link.
The Heartland Flyer also forms part of a broader passenger rail network. It connects with the Texas Eagle service running between Chicago and San Antonio, and with the Sunset Limited, which links San Antonio and Los Angeles. Plans to extend the service north to Newton, Kansas, are under consideration, which would also establish a direct link to the long-distance Southwest Chief line.
Local officials have pointed to the economic benefits of the service. It is estimated to generate 5.3 million USD in direct impact and contribute to 23.7 million USD in broader economic activity. Almost 30 jobs are tied directly to the service.
The timing of the potential suspension comes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for which the Dallas-Fort Worth region is set to host several matches. Officials argue that maintaining the Flyer would support regional travel demand during the tournament period.
TxDOT requested 7.05 million USD in funding to continue the service for an additional two years. However, the amount was not included in the most recent state budget. Amtrak has said it will continue discussions with state partners and will provide a specific date for suspension if it is the confirmed outcome.
The Heartland Flyer is one of 30 State Supported Amtrak routes across 18 states, governed by cost-sharing arrangements set by the State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee (SAIPRC). These partnerships determine service schedules, frequencies, and funding levels.
Local leaders in Fort Worth, Gainesville, and Oklahoma City have issued statements supporting continued operation. They highlighted the Flyer’s contribution to regional accessibility, economic development, and cross-border cooperation between Texas and Oklahoma.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said: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. Fort Worth is the busiest Amtrak station in Texas – generating millions in economic impact annually – and as people continue to move to our region, travel reliability, mobility choices, and connectivity will be key to our competitiveness.
