TxDOT funding transfer clears way for Heartland Flyer to continue

TxDOT funding transfer clears way for Heartland Flyer to continue

Published on September 04, 2026

The Heartland Flyer will remain on the tracks following a $4.2 million funding transfer by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to cover operations for the next year.

The decision, which Amtrak announced in August, allows the popular passenger train between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City to continue while the Texas Legislature works on a long-term solution. The Legislature reconvenes in January, when it will deliberate a two-year state budget.

Last year, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approved a $3.5 million emergency expenditure to keep the train moving after funding for the service was left out of the final state budget. The route has been growing in popularity, setting a ridership record of 80,767 in Fiscal Year 2025, according to Amtrak.

Last year, a contingent of staff members from the NCTCOG Transportation Department rode the train from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City, producing a series of videos and other content to illustrate the value of the Heartland Flyer, which has provided daily service since 1999. The video of the trip to Oklahoma City is available here.

Amtrak leaders thanked Texas officials for providing the funding necessary to keep the train moving.

"Leadership by Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Executive Director Marc Williams will keep this important service operating and connecting to local transit and the Amtrak National Network in Fort Worth," Amtrak Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell said in a press release. "We will work with TxDOT, our partners in Oklahoma and the rest of the region to continue to provide the Heartland Flyer service."

Get articles like this in your inbox. Subscribe to City News.

• News