Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer may be on the brink of a significant expansion thanks to federal infrastructure funding, bringing long-awaited passenger train service to Kansas. Currently, the daily passenger train runs a 206-mile route from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Fort Worth, Texas. However, under a new proposal from the state of Kansas, several cities, including Wichita, are set to be added to the line.
For years, railway enthusiasts and officials from the Kansas Department of Transportation have advocated for expanded passenger rail service in Wichita and Newton. However, a lack of funding and low passenger numbers hindered progress. Now, with a renewed emphasis on railway infrastructure improvements at the federal level, the necessary funding for expansion has been secured. Governor Laura Kelly recently announced that $500,000 in federal funding has been allocated for Kansas’ proposal to extend the Heartland Flyer.
The new plan will integrate Kansas cities into the existing route, extending from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas. Among the new stops will be Edmond, Perry, Ponca City, Arkansas City, Wichita, and Newton. This expansion is particularly significant for Wichita, as the city has been without access to the national passenger rail network since services were discontinued in 1979.
By bringing the Heartland Flyer to Wichita, the city will become a crucial stop along the route, offering residents and visitors enhanced travel options and opportunities. The extension of the passenger rail line will foster economic growth, educational access, and cultural exchange, unlocking a range of benefits for Kansans and further strengthening the state’s position as a central hub for transportation.
The proposal was a collaborative effort involving the Kansas Department of Transportation, as well as transportation departments from Texas and Oklahoma. Together, they submitted the proposal to the Federal Railroad Administration, which approved the funding under the Corridor Identification and Development Program. This program was created as part of the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, authorizing $108 billion to support a variety of federal infrastructure projects, including the enhancement of passenger railway systems throughout the United States.
The Heartland Flyer extension is just one of many railway projects selected for the much-needed upgrades. Nationwide, a total of 15 existing rail routes, seven new high-speed rail projects, and 47 new routes will receive federal funding to expand or improve their services. Despite initially voting against the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Kansas Republican Senator Jerry Moran voiced his support for the extension of the Heartland Flyer. He recognized the economic opportunities that come with connecting communities across states and expressed enthusiasm for the positive impact it will have on Kansas and the wider region.
The allocation of federal funding marks a major milestone in making the Kansas passenger train route a reality. By investing in railway infrastructure, the federal government is not only revitalizing a vital mode of transportation but also supporting economic growth and regional connectivity. As plans for the Heartland Flyer’s expansion progress, residents of Kansas can look forward to an efficient and convenient passenger train service that will expand their travel options and drive the state’s economy forward. With these developments, the Heartland Flyer is set to become a crucial component of the nation’s railway network, offering greater accessibility and connectivity for passengers across multiple states.
