Texas Agency Praised for Saving the Flyer, a Local Company
The Heartland Flyer, a passenger rail service connecting Oklahoma City and Fort Worth with stops in several cities, has become a crucial mode of travel for both leisure and business commuters. However, its future hangs in the balance due to a funding dispute between the Texas Legislature and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).
In a recent turn of events, the Texas Legislature declined to approve the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) funding request of $7.05 million to cover the state's share of the train's operational costs beyond the current fiscal year. This decision, according to Texas Rail Advocates, is largely due to a few legislators with an "anti-passenger rail agenda," despite TxDOT's formal request and the Texas Transportation Commission's support.
As a result, the NCTCOG stepped in to provide a one-time emergency funding of $3.5 million in Regional Toll Revenue funds to keep the Heartland Flyer running for another year. The council plans to seek reimbursement from the state and initiate a ridership campaign to reduce the subsidy requirement.
The economic consequences of the legislature's decision are significant. The Heartland Flyer serves over 80,000 passengers annually, generates $2.2 million in ticket revenue, and alleviates congestion on Interstate 35, one of Texas’s busiest highways. An economic analysis shows the train produces $5.3 million in direct economic benefits and contributes to $23.7 million in overall economic activity in Texas and Oklahoma combined. The service is also critical for major upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where it can help mitigate traffic congestion along the interstate corridor by providing fan travel options.
Without sustainable state funding, the Heartland Flyer's future remains uncertain, risking the loss of these economic and transportation benefits unless alternative funding or legislative approval is secured in future sessions. The council's hope is that the temporary funding will delay the suspension of the Heartland Flyer service until a new funding solution can be found.
The reprieve in funding will give all parties time to find a new funding solution for the Heartland Flyer. The service has proven to be popular, often sold out both ways between the two states. The Heartland Flyer is expected to be a popular choice for FIFA World Cup soccer events in mid-2026.
Despite the funding challenges, the Heartland Flyer continues to provide essential transportation and economic benefits. However, the Oklahoma Legislature has yet to commit to continuing its part of the funding. The NCTCOG is concerned about the potential for a clawback of funds from the federal government if the Heartland Flyer is terminated. As the future of the Heartland Flyer hangs in the balance, the council and the mayors of Fort Worth and Gainesville remain actively involved in advocating for its continued operation.
[1] Texas Rail Advocates. (2021). Heartland Flyer Faces Uncertain Future as Texas Legislature Refuses to Fund Amtrak Service. https://texasrailadvocates.org/2021/05/18/heartland-flyer-faces-uncertain-future-as-texas-legislature-refuses-to-fund-amtrak-service/
[2] North Central Texas Council of Governments. (2021). Heartland Flyer Secures One-Year Funding Reprieve. https://www.nctcog.org/heartland-flyer-secures-one-year-funding-reprieve/
[3] Amtrak. (2021). Heartland Flyer. https://www.amtrak.com/train/heartland-flyer
[4] North Central Texas Council of Governments. (2021). Heartland Flyer Critical for Major Upcoming Events. https://www.nctcog.org/heartland-flyer-critical-for-major-upcoming-events/
[5] Texas Rail Advocates. (2021). Heartland Flyer Faces Uncertain Future as Texas Legislature Refuses to Fund Amtrak Service. https://texasrailadvocates.org/2021/05/18/heartland-flyer-faces-uncertain-future-as-texas-legislature-refuses-to-fund-amtrak-service/
- The Heartland Flyer, a vital mode of transportation and economic boon for both Texas and Oklahoma, relies on a combination of rail, finance, and transportation industries, as demonstrated by its ongoing funding dispute and the economic analysis revealing its significant contributions.
- As the future of the Heartland Flyer remains uncertain, its importance in the transportation industry, particularly for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizes the need for alternative funding or legislative approval to sustain this bus service and maintain its positive financial impacts.
