Texas Drops Heartland Flyer From Budget

April 28, 2025 – Across America, demand for more passenger trains is growing. Trains offer a sustainable, affordable, and convenient alternative to crowded highways and airports, connecting communities large and small. Yet despite these clear benefits, funding for vital rail services remains inconsistent. A striking example is the Heartland Flyer, a popular route linking Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas. This train is a result of a successful partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), funded through each state’s tax dollars.

Unfortunately, this year, the Texas legislature left its portion of the Heartland Flyer funding out of the state budget. This decision places the train’s future — and the many benefits it brings — in jeopardy. Without Texas’ support, the Heartland Flyer could face reduced service or even discontinuation, cutting off a critical transportation link for countless travelers and hurting local economies along the route.

The need for more passenger trains across the nation has never been clearer. Trains reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and provide reliable options for those without access to cars or airports. Expanding and improving passenger rail service would strengthen regional economies, create jobs, and support tourism. Yet reliable funding is essential for these benefits to be realized.

If states like Texas fail to uphold their commitments to projects like the Heartland Flyer, it sends a troubling message about the nation’s priorities. Investing in rail is an investment in the future — in connectivity, sustainability, and economic vitality. It is critical that lawmakers recognize the value of these services and ensure they receive the funding they need to survive and grow. America deserves a modern, accessible passenger rail network, and that can only happen with consistent support at both the state and national levels.