I will warn you, this is a long newsletter, but it is all good news! Amtrak is getting the funding it needs for a major reset, and the Heartland Flyer is saved—at least through 2027.
Amtrak Gets Nearly $3 Billion for New Trains and Rail Improvements
Amtrak has received nearly $3 billion in federal grants for new trains, maintenance facilities, bridges, track upgrades, and other projects nationwide.
The Federal Railroad Administration announced the funding on August 14 as part of a $5.3 billion rail investment package. Amtrak says its share will advance seven projects that benefit both state-supported and long-distance trains. Amtrak and its partners are expected to provide a 20% match for each Amtrak-led project.
The Biggest Piece: Up to 43 New Trainsets
The Biggest Piece: 43 New Trainsets for State-Supported Routes
By far the largest award is $2.05 billion for up to 43 new trainsets—all designated for state-supported regional routes. These trains will replace older equipment on services such as the Hiawatha, Blue Water, Carolinian, and Cascades, and expand capacity to support additional state-sponsored frequencies.
The full list includes the Adirondack, Blue Water, Carolinian, Cascades, Virginia services (Washington to Newport News, Norfolk, and Roanoke), Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Hartford Line, Hiawatha, Illini/Saluki, Illinois Zephyr, Keystone Service, Lincoln Service, Pennsylvanian, Pere Marquette, Piedmont, and Missouri River Runner.
One detail to watch: Amtrak hasn't officially identified these 43 trainsets as Airo trains in this announcement. However, given Amtrak's existing Airo fleet program and the cost of switching suppliers midstream, I suspect they are Airo orders.
Chicago Is Getting a Major Investment, Too
Another $659 million is going to Amtrak's maintenance facilities and rail infrastructure in Chicago, its largest hub for long-distance trains and for Midwest regionals.
Amtrak plans to relocate maintenance operations from the 14th Street Yard to the Canal Street Yard and to rehabilitate or replace more than a dozen aging bridges, viaducts, and related structures. The goal is to make maintenance operations more efficient and to prepare the Chicago hub for continued ridership and service growth.
Another $37.2 million will fund the rehabilitation of the South Branch Bridge over the Chicago River. The bridge, more than 110 years old, carries Amtrak, Metra, and freight trains. The project will extend the life of the current bridge while planning for an eventual replacement continues. This bridge is used by Amtrak, Metra, and freight railroads, so this improvement will benefit more than just Amtrak. I have had trips delayed because of issues with this bridge.
While maintenance facilities might not seem as glamorous as new trains, they are important. Improved facilities can make inspection, servicing, and equipment turnaround easier in Chicago, a key hub for 57% of the nation's long-distance trains.
Long-Distance Routes Get Some Attention
The grants are not limited to corridor trains.
In South Carolina, Amtrak and CSX will replace 31 miles of aging track, add bypass track, and make other improvements. Florence will also receive dedicated station tracks. Amtrak says the work should reduce delays and improve reliability for passenger and freight trains.
In Montana, Amtrak and BNSF will add six miles of second main track and make other improvements around Havre and Lohman. This is especially significant for the Empire Builder, which can be delayed by freight traffic in this part of Montana. The additional capacity is intended to reduce the bottleneck and improve reliability.
There is also funding for onboard shunt-enhancement equipment, which Amtrak says will improve safety and reliability on all 32 state-supported routes and all 14 long-distance routes. The biggest winners here are the City of New Orleans, Saluki, and Illini.
Amtrak isn't the only grant recipient. More than 30 additional projects led by states and other partners are expected to benefit Amtrak passengers, including grade-separation work along the Sunset Limited route in Texas, improvements to the Piedmont corridor in North Carolina, a Portland station relocation for the Downeaster, and reliability improvements along the California Zephyr route in Nebraska.
The larger USDOT announcement also includes $140 million to overhaul 41 locomotives serving Amtrak's Midwest and Pacific services.
What Does This Mean for Amtrak Passengers?
Don't expect 43 shiny new trains to arrive next month. These are major capital projects that still need to go through the procurement, design, and construction phases.
But this announcement is significant because it addresses several problems simultaneously.
Amtrak needs to replace aging equipment. It also needs additional equipment if states want to add trains. Chicago needs more maintenance capacity. Several parts of the national network require track and infrastructure improvements to make existing trains more reliable. The new funding addresses all four areas.
For travelers, the most interesting part may ultimately be the additional fleet capacity. Replacing old equipment is important, but having enough trains to increase frequency and support new state-supported services could make Amtrak considerably more useful.
That won't happen overnight, but this funding gives Amtrak and its state partners more of the equipment and infrastructure they need to make it possible.
The Heartland Flyer Gets Some Good News
The Heartland Flyer in Fort Worth, TX
A few months ago, the future of Amtrak's Heartland Flyer seemed uncertain, even grim. Now, travelers have good news.
The daily train service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth has received funding approval for another year, likely ensuring it operates through most of 2027.
Earlier this year, funding disputes between Texas and Oklahoma raised the possibility that the Heartland Flyer might stop running. The Heartland Flyer relies on state support to operate, and the situation became serious enough that Amtrak and transportation officials were preparing to suspend service.
Fortunately, that immediate threat appears to have passed.
On August 13, Michael Morris, Transportation Director for the North Central Texas Council of Governments, announced to the Regional Transportation Council that funding was secured for another year. There is also potential good news: the Council has requested TxDOT to incorporate funding for two additional years of Heartland Flyer service in the upcoming legislative budget request. It would be nice if this train did not face the risk of termination every year.
The longer-term aspect is still not assured, so I wouldn't say the train is permanently secured. However, relative to a few months ago, this is definitely a positive step forward.
The Heartland Flyer is Oklahoma's only Amtrak train, connecting Oklahoma City, Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore, Gainesville, and Fort Worth. At Fort Worth, passengers can also connect to Amtrak's Texas Eagle, which provides access to the broader Amtrak network.
Travelers should note that they can continue planning trips on the Heartland Flyer for the foreseeable future, and it is hoped that service will remain for many years.
As always, I'll keep an eye on developments regarding long-term funding and update you when we know more.
What Is Kev Up To?
I hit the rails again this past week! My little nephew finally got his train trip with Uncle Kev—a short ride on Friday at the East Troy Railroad Museum. He was thrilled. The occasion was a social with my organ club, featuring live organ music beforehand and a ride through the countryside.
Little Guy in front of the trolley
I liked it enough to come back the next day with friends. This time, the trolley stopped at The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago, Wisconsin—a popular family-owned farm market, bakery, and deli famous across America for its signature Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag®. National food publications regularly call it the best apple pie in the country. I had to try it again, and it did not disappoint.
Overall, it was a good week!
Thank You!
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Until Next Week!
Safe Travels & Happy Planning, Kev Monteith
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