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Heartland Flyer funding uncertain after TxDOT notifies Amtrak it will end support; ODOT seeks partners
Summary
ODOT staff said TxDOT informed Amtrak it will discontinue contractual support for the Heartland Flyer on Aug. 31; existing state balances may support operations through 2026 but ODOT says roughly $2.5 million in additional funding is needed for full-year operations and it is seeking partner commitments.
ODOT staff told the Transportation Commission that the Heartland Flyer—daily passenger rail service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth—faces an uncertain near-term funding outlook after the Texas Department of Transportation told Amtrak it will discontinue contractual support on Aug. 31.
"TxDOT has informed Amtrak that they will discontinue the contractual support of the Flyer on August 31 of this year," Mr. Swenson said. He said the department estimates existing funding balances will support operations through the end of calendar year 2026 but that ODOT’s request for an additional $2.5 million for state funding year 2027 was not allocated to the Tourism and Passenger Rail Revolving Fund. Swenson said ODOT is exploring partnership opportunities and will seek commitments from Texas and other partners to sustain operations beyond 2026.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the service's history; Mr. Swenson said the Flyer restarted in June 1999 after a 20-year hiatus. The department did not present an immediate funding solution at the meeting and characterized the update as informational; no binding action was taken. Staff said they will continue to monitor partnerships and funding prospects and will keep the Commission informed of developments.
