Heartland Flyer Passenger Rail Service to End October Due to Texas Funding Cut

The Heartland Flyer, a passenger rail service connecting Oklahoma City and Fort Worth since 1999, is expected to cease operations on or before October 1, 2025, due to the Texas Legislature's decision not to fund its share of the route's expenses. Despite a request from the Texas Department of Transportation for $7.05 million to continue funding through 2027, the legislature declined to appropriate the funds, prompting Amtrak to announce the imminent suspension unless funding is secured. The train has served over 80,000 riders annually, generating $2.2 million in ticket revenue and easing congestion along the heavily traveled Interstate 35 corridor, while supporting regional mobility, economic development, and workforce access. Officials from both Oklahoma and Texas, including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Gainesville Mayor Tommy Moore, have expressed support for maintaining the service due to its importance to tourism, business, and community connectivity. Amtrak emphasized the critical role the service plays and plans to work with state and local partners to resolve the funding crisis, with a more specific suspension date to be announced later. ODOT is encouraging residents to use the Heartland Flyer while service remains available.