A recent funding boost will help keep the popular train route in service at least through September.
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Amtrak Heartland Flyer route between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth has received a temporary lifeline, with the North Central Texas Council of Governments Regional Transportation Council (RTC) allocating $100,000 to ensure continued daily service through at least September.
For regular passengers like Darin Herndon, it’s welcome news.
“It’s an experience but it’s so much easier than other forms of travel and so much more comfortable,” Herndon said.
He rides the 206-mile route about 6-7 times a year, sometimes for business, other times for pleasure, and says he appreciates the predictable four-hour journey.
“It leaves Oklahoma City around 8:25 in the morning, gets here to Fort Worth about 12:30,” Herndon said.
Recent data from the RTC showed a significant increase in ridership, with passenger numbers jumping 14% to nearly 125,000 in the past year.
That includes first-time passenger Samson Israel.
“We actually said we should do this every other week, it’s such a smooth ride,” Isreal said.
The RTC acknowledged potential funding challenges, writing to WFAA: “This backstop will ensure there is no disruption in service. It may not be needed, as was the case in fiscal year 2023.”
When funding issues happened last year, the Texas Department of Transportation upped its contribution. This year, the RTC says it’s going to ask the state legislature for help getting funding to an adequate level for the popular route.
“The last three times I’ve traveled, it’s been absolutely booked, no spare seats at all,” Herndon said.
When contacted about the funding situation, Amtrak declined to comment.
The temporary funding ensures continued service, with the RTC emphasizing that Texas’ contribution will need to increase to keep the service operational long-term.
