Amtrak was recently notified that the Texas Department of Transportation would no longer be paying its share of funding for the Heartland Flyer’s daily runs between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth beginning September 1, 2026.
However, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has stepped up and said it has the money to ensure the train keeps running through the end of the year. Emily Long an ODOT spokesperson was quoted by Trains.com as saying:
"Based on current projections, remaining fund balances are sufficient to support operations through the end of calendar year 2026. ODOT remains supportive of the Heartland Flyer and will continue exploring partnership opportunities to sustain the service."
Businesses at both ends of transportation route can use local Print shops to provide advertisements targeting train passengers
To fulfil its joint agreement with Oklahoma, Texas committed to providing $2.5m to the Oklahoma’s Tourism and Passenger Rail Revolving Fund, and to that end Texas DOT requested over $3m from its legislature. However, the lawmakers allotted no funds for that purpose before adjourning in May and will not be returning until January 12, 2027. Bills for the next legislative session will be accepted beginning November 9, 2026.
Tickets for the Heartland Flyer will continue to be offered by Amtrak through March 31, 2027. On the nine dates on which FIFA World Cup matches take place in Arlington, Texas during June and July, fares on the Heartland Flyer will be higher.
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