Oklahoma-Texas passenger train route could be in jeopardy

The Norman Transcript By Barbara Hoberock Oklahoma Voice May 6, 2025

Passenger rail service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth could end if Texas lawmakers decline to fund that state’s share, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission was told Monday.

“Texas is having a little bit of trouble working that into their legislative budget, and we’re optimistic that will happen, but we are going to continue to very closely monitor it,” said Tim Gatz, Oklahoma Department of Transportation executive director.

The Heartland Flyer, an Amtrak route between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, is a jointly funded partnership between Texas and Oklahoma. Oklahoma’s portion for 2025 is $4.5 million, according to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

If Texas was unable to fund its portion, the Heartland Flyer would cease operations, as early as June, Gatz said.

“We’ve been through a few other times with similar conditions with Texas, and they’ve always come through,” Gatz said. “So, we’re not necessarily in a panic yet, but we are monitoring closely.”

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