ARLINGTON, Texas — Regional transportation officials are promoting Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer as a convenient alternative to driving between North Texas and Oklahoma City, highlighting both the ease of travel and popular destinations along the route.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Transportation Department recently launched a video showcasing the passenger rail service and attractions in Oklahoma City. The route allows riders to work, relax, and avoid highway traffic while traveling between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City.
The Heartland Flyer’s future faced uncertainty last year after state funding was not included in the 2025 budget. In response, the Regional Transportation Council approved a $3.5 million emergency funding allocation to keep the service operating. The funding, later approved by the Texas Transportation Commission in August 2025, represents half of Texas’ contribution to the route and is expected to sustain operations for one year.
The service is jointly funded by Texas and Oklahoma, the only two states it serves. Additional funding decisions are expected when the Texas Legislature reconvenes in January 2027.
Officials say increasing ridership could help secure the route’s long-term future by reducing the need for subsidies and attracting additional funding partners. In Fiscal Year 2025, ridership increased by 1% to nearly 81,000 passengers.
As part of the promotional effort, NCTCOG staff traveled the route and explored key attractions in Oklahoma City featured in the video.
Highlights Along the Route
The video spotlights several destinations in Oklahoma City, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which honors the 168 victims of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The site includes both an interactive indoor museum and an outdoor memorial.
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions. It is a testament to how a community can overcome unspeakable tragedy while ensuring that the memory of those lost is preserved for generations. There are two distinct parts to the museum. Inside, visitors will find an interactive educational experience, telling the story of those directly affected by the bombing. Outside is the memorial, a tribute to the 168 killed in the terrorist attack. It tells the story of that horrific day by depicting how the city endured the bombing and was able to heal thereafter.
Scissortail Park
Scissortail Park is a 70-acre haven in the middle of downtown, close to Bricktown. The 2.4-mile Scissortail Perimeter is a path winding through the park, which includes something for every member of the family: a playground for the kids, a lawn where the whole family can enjoy a picnic, even a dog park for those who bring their four-legged friends.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
The Myriad Botanical Gardens provide a place for the community to connect with nature and enjoy community events. The Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory is a 224-foot-long greenhouse that offers a variety of flora in two tropical climates across 13,000 square feet.
The Jones Assembly
The Jones Assembly is a popular restaurant and music venue housed in historic downtown buildings that were once part of the Fred Jones Manufacturing Company complex, an early 1900s automotive assembly plant tied to Oklahoma’s rich industrial history.
Officials say the campaign aims to encourage more travelers to consider rail using Amtrak as a practical and enjoyable transportation option.
