Acclaim for Texas Agency's Intervention in Flyer's Financial Crisis
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has stepped in to save Amtrak's Heartland Flyer from potential termination, following the Texas Legislature's refusal to pay its share for the train's continued operation.
The Heartland Flyer, which runs between Fort Worth, Texas, and Oklahoma City, was at risk of ending service in October 2025 due to the Legislature's decision not to approve the expected funding increase of $3.5 million for the current funding cycle. Oklahoma had already committed $4.5 million towards the train’s operation, but this left a funding gap.
Thankfully, the NCTCOG reallocated $3.5 million from regional highway toll revenue to keep the train running for another year. This move has been praised by local officials and advocates for regional connectivity.
The train's economic benefits, including $5.3 million in direct economic impact and $23.7 million in overall economic activity, as well as congestion relief on busy highways, have been highlighted in the debate. The train serves multiple cities and communities, supporting both leisure and business travel.
The train connects several cities, including Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore, and Gainesville, Texas. It is often sold out both ways between the two states, making it an essential service for many common, everyday Americans of all races and persuasions.
The funding reprieve was achieved by moving $3.5 million from regional highway tolls. The Regional Transportation Council of the NCTCOG hopes this temporary funding will forestall a halt to Amtrak's Heartland Flyer service until the Texas Legislature returns to session.
The reprieve gives all parties time to reconsider the funding of Amtrak's Heartland Flyer. If the train is terminated, the federal government may seek a clawback reimbursement of funds it expended in the corridor.
The train is expected to be popular for FIFA World Cup soccer events in mid-2026. However, Texas state lawmakers have been criticised for their decision, with some viewing it as shortsighted given the train's demonstrated economic benefits.
Michael Morris, the Agency Transportation Director, expressed concerns about politicians not understanding much except how to line their pockets at the taxpayers' expense. The train is not commonly used by the elite political class, with the exception of former President Biden and President Trump, who insists on cushier digs.
Transit demand is not being met by supply in this region, and if this continues to 2050, about 25% of the region won't have access to public transportation. Economic expansion, rather than personal pocketbook expansion, should be a concern, as the lack of public transportation could be unacceptable.
[1] Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments: https://www.nctcog.org/ [2] Amtrak's Heartland Flyer: https://www.amtrak.com/train/heartland-flyer [3] Texas Legislature: https://www.texaslegislature.gov/
- The regional transportation council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) reallocated funds from highway toll revenue to avoid the termination of Amtrak's Heartland Flyer, a train service connecting multiple cities between Fort Worth, Texas, and Oklahoma City.
- Politicians have faced criticism for the potential termination of Amtrak's Heartland Flyer, given its significant economic benefits, including $5.3 million in direct economic impact and $23.7 million in overall economic activity, and support for both leisure and business travel.
- The funding provided by the NCTCOG gives all parties, including the Texas Legislature, time to reconsider the future of Amtrak's Heartland Flyer, as its termination could result in a clawback reimbursement of funds from the federal government.
