Bryan Hyde of The Heartland Flyer on Powering America Podcast: SPECIAL BRIEFING: Can Texas avert the last flight of the Heartland Flyer?

Bryan Hyde, host of The Heartland Flyer, discusses the potential shutdown of the Heartland Flyer in the latest episode of the Powering America Podcast. The episode addresses critical issues surrounding passenger rail, infrastructure funding, economic impact, and public transportation.

WASHINGTON — June 4, 2026 — In a special briefing on the Powering America Podcast, Bryan Hyde examines the future of the Heartland Flyer, a passenger rail service connecting Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas. Despite achieving record ridership and revenue, the train faces closure due to a lack of funding from the Texas legislature.

Hyde highlights that Oklahoma has secured its funding through fiscal year 2027, while Texas has not allocated necessary funds for the 2026-2027 budget. "The irony writes itself. Demand has never been higher. The product is working, and the thing standing between this train and the tracks isn't ridership, it's an appropriation that didn't get made," he said. The potential loss of the Heartland Flyer raises concerns about the impact on public transportation options for those who rely on it.

The Heartland Flyer has become a vital transportation link for many, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or afford other means of travel. "For people who can't drive, can't afford to, or simply won't, if they want to take surface transportation down to the Fort Worth area, the Heartland Flyer is the one other choice they've got," Hyde noted. The train removes approximately 50,000 vehicles from Interstate 35 each year, highlighting its significance in reducing traffic congestion and providing affordable travel options.

The Heartland Flyer is an Amtrak service that operates daily between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas. Since its inception in 1999, it has provided a critical transportation link for residents and visitors alike.

About the Powering America Podcast

The Powering America Podcast focuses on energy, infrastructure, policy, and economic growth. The show features discussions with experts and leaders in the field, addressing key issues affecting the nation's infrastructure and economy.