A Fort Worth, Texas, to Oklahoma City train service known as the ‘Heartland Flyer’ may soon end due to funding cuts. Amtrak’s service could end as early as Oct. 1 if a funding issue is not resolved.
The final call may be coming soon for a popular Southern train route.
Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer Train line that runs daily between Fort Worth in Texas and Oklahoma City could soon be shut down. A $7 million budget deficit is the driving force behind the decision to stop the train route.
Amtrak reports that the Texas Department of Transportation asked for $7.05million from the legislative budget of the state, but it was denied. This funding, along with money from Oklahoma and sales of tickets, helps maintain operations on the route.
The train leaves Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at 8:25 am and arrives in Fort Worth, Texas at 12:27 pm. The four-hour and two-minute journey by train is just an hour longer than the drive along the same route. The train stops at Norman, Oklahoma, Gainesville in Texas, and other towns.
Amtrak’s President Roger Harris stated that the Heartland flyer was essential for maintaining momentum in the region and ensuring mobility over the long-term.
Amtrak points out that this service could be crucial in 2026 when Dallas and Fort Worth will host parts of the World Cup. Heartland Flyer is a rail service that will ease congestion and provide easy access to the metropolitan area for surrounding communities.
Amtrak’s thread on Facebook has a post that says, “I used work downtown Fort Worth and I got so many clients coming in for day trip on the Flyer,” shared a person. Reddit About the service “Big economic blow for downtown hotels and restaurants.”
Amtrak’s service includes several coach cars, as well as amenities such as a cafeteria that offers a wide range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, along with snacks. The service allows passengers to reserve small pets or cats for the trip.
Amtrak has updated its website and the monitors for passengers who already have tickets. Amtrak’s travel advisories Get the latest updates on the service.
In 2024, more than 80,000 tickets were purchased for the Heartland flyer. The service connects the region with destinations in Chicago and Los Angeles.
