Published: October 17, 2007 12:02 pm            

Amtrak exploring Heartland Flyer route expansion to Tulsa

The future of expanded passenger rail service in Oklahoma is looking brighter as Amtrak announced recently plans to expand the Heartland Flyer route are being explored by the rail service giant.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) requested the study by Amtrak to look into extending the Heartland Flyer to Tulsa along with other rail passenger options in the state.

The study also coincides with a similar study by Amtrak in Texas as that state’s transportation leaders have also been discussing additional passenger rail service with Amtrak.

“The success of the Heartland Flyer has been impressive,” said Joe Kyle, ODOT's Rail Programs Division Manager. “We hope to grow that success so more Oklahomans can benefit from it. Rail travel can be economical for Oklahomans concerned about fuel prices, or just a relaxing way to move around the state, taking in the scenery, while someone else does the work.”

According to Amtrak ridership figures, a total of 68,030 passengers boarded the Heartland Flyer in Oklahoma during the 2006 fiscal year, which ended on September 30, representing a rise in ridership by 5.8 percent since the Flyer started operations in June of 1999.

Texas officials are also optimistic about expanding passenger rail service in their state.

“In a growing state like Texas, it is important that people have transportation options to avoid traffic congestion,” said Steve Simmons, interim executive director for TxDOT. “The Heartland Flyer's success demonstrates how rail can help us reduce congestion, enhance safety, expand economic opportunity, improve air quality and increase the value of our transportation assets.”

“We strive to treat every passenger as if it’s their first trip, with the hospitality they deserve and a smile they might not expect when traveling nowadays,” said Joy Smith, the Texas-based Amtrak Assistant Superintendent in charge of passenger service on the Heartland Flyer (Trains 821 & 822).

Amtrak operates the Heartland Flyer under contracts with ODOT and TxDOT, with the support of the Heartland Flyer Coalition.

“While we enjoy staging events to attract new riders, the train's success depends on its reliability, the Amtrak crews and how it is dispatched by the BNSF Railway. That is a lot of the Coalition's focus, along with the DOT's,” said Judi Elmore of Ardmore, the head of the Coalition.

“The communities on our route in Oklahoma and Texas have responded with station improvements and other support, which is another reason for our success," Elmore added.

One such event is the upcoming “Tales from the Trip” Halloween train set for Saturday, October 27.

The special train will feature route-specific ghost stories, onboard costume contests, and spooky music. Children under the age of 12 will receive an activity book and crayons.

The events will be held on board the Heartland Flyer as it makes it normal run between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth and back.

Winners in the adult costume division receive round-trip tickets for 2 for a future trip on the Heartland Flyer; children's contest winner will receive a one-year membership in our Kids Club.

The Flyer train is also playing a part in Oklahoma’s celebration of 100 years of statehood. Until Dec. 13, each adult passenger who uses a special promotional code can bring a companion with them at no additional charge.

Aside from a few black-out dates during holidays in November, passengers using discount code H711 are entitled to a free companion ticket for the same itinerary at the same time.

For more information, including other provisions of the promotion, visit the “Hot Deals” section of the Amtrak.com website.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.