Heartland Flyer Train to Continue Running Despite State Funding Setback
A popular Amtrak train that ferries passengers between Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma will continue running for now, despite state funding falling through. The Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments voted Thursday to redirect $3.5 million in regional toll revenue to cover operating costs of the Heartland Flyer for another year.
Background and History of the Heartland Flyer
The 206-mile rail line, which traverses the Interstate 35 corridor, was under threat of suspension by October after the Texas Legislature failed to include $7 million in requested funds — enough to fund support operations for two years — in its $338 spending bill this session. The route is operated in partnership between Texas Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma DOT, and has been in operation since 1999.
Previous Funding and Support
Historically, the Lone Star State has provided about $2.5 million annually in funding for the Flyer ― less than half of the operating costs, according to Texas Rail Advocates. The NCTCG in February allocated $100,000 to keep the rail line operational through September.
Current Funding and Future Plans
The funding approved by the RTC this week would help bridge the gap until the next legislative session, where TxDOT can again ask the state to fund the rail line. The train served 80,000 passengers last year — a 14% increase — and reached $2.2 million in ticket sales.
Importance of the Heartland Flyer
Halting operations could mean federal funds for the train would be pulled back, and being without the rail line would jeopardize regional transportation planning for the FIFA World Cup games next summer, RTC director Michael Morris said during Thursday’s meeting. In a letter to the council, officials noted the Flyer generated more than $5 million in economic benefits and $23 million in economic activity in the region.
Economic Benefits and Impact
“…The Heartland Flyer alleviates congestion on one of Texas’ busiest highways and supports workforce mobility and job access – key pillars of Texas’ $97.5 billion travel industry,“ according to the text. “In Fort Worth alone, the $3.5 billion tourism economy benefits significantly from continued rail service,” said the letter, signed by the mayors of Fort Worth and Gainesville, as well as Denton County Judge Andy Eads.
Connections and Routes
The Heartland Flyer also connects to the Texas Eagle between Chicago, Fort Worth and San Antonio, with further connections on the Sunset Limited for travel between San Antonio, El Paso and Los Angeles.
NCTCOG will seek reimbursement of the funds from the state and “initiate a ridership campaign reducing the need for a subsidy,” according to Thursday’s agenda.
Conclusion
The Heartland Flyer train is an important transportation link between Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma, providing economic benefits and supporting workforce mobility and job access. Despite state funding falling through, the train will continue to run for now, thanks to the redirecting of $3.5 million in regional toll revenue. The future of the train remains uncertain, but efforts are being made to secure funding and reduce the need for subsidies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Heartland Flyer train?
A: The Heartland Flyer is a 206-mile rail line that runs between Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma, operated in partnership between Texas Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma DOT.
Q: Why was the train under threat of suspension?
A: The train was under threat of suspension due to the Texas Legislature failing to include $7 million in requested funds in its $338 spending bill this session.
Q: How much funding has been allocated to keep the train running?
A: The Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments voted to redirect $3.5 million in regional toll revenue to cover operating costs of the Heartland Flyer for another year.
Q: What are the economic benefits of the Heartland Flyer?
A: The Flyer generated more than $5 million in economic benefits and $23 million in economic activity in the region, and alleviates congestion on one of Texas’ busiest highways, supporting workforce mobility and job access.
Q: What is the future of the Heartland Flyer train?
A: The future of the train remains uncertain, but efforts are being made to secure funding and reduce the need for subsidies. The NCTCOG will seek reimbursement of the funds from the state and initiate a ridership campaign to reduce the need for a subsidy.
