August 25, 2025 - TRA Newswire -

A new economic-impact report to Congress makes a clear case that state-supported Amtrak services, like the Texas and Oklahoma-partnered Heartland Flyer, are engines of local and regional prosperity.

The study, prepared by SAIPRC, the State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee, estimates that state-supported routes produce about $4.4 billion in annual economic impact and support roughly 43,000 jobs nationwide. Those jobs translate into $2.7 billion in wages that circulate through local economies — from ticket agents and onboard staff to suppliers and construction workers on station projects. 

SAIPRC is a multi-agency body comprised of members from 18 states, Amtrak, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The committee's mission is to facilitate collaboration among its members to improve the intercity passenger rail network and encourage economic growth. Its report frames passenger rail not only as a transportation service but also as a powerful economic development tool that connects communities and expands opportunity. 

According to the Congressional report which was released in July, Texas’ investment in the Heartland Flyer generates a range of economic and social benefits that included an estimated 105 jobs or over $6.1 million in earnings associated with projected annual spending on capital and operating costs for State-supported services and the additional jobs created with increased tourism travel.

Texas businesses benefited from intercity passenger rail, with at least 170 businesses forming part of Amtrak’s supply chain, ranging from refined petroleum products to IT services.

Shifting from roads to trains result in travel time savings as a result of less congested roadways. Texas Rail Advocates estimated that if the Heartland Flyer was to discontinue service, then over 50,000 vehicles would be added to the I-35 travel corridor. 

Outcomes of the study relate to communities, employers, taxpayers, and travelers.

• Total economic impact: The report estimates a $4.4 billion annual economic impact from state-supported routes.
• Job creation: This economic activity supports approximately 43,000 jobs across the country, with $2.7 billion in associated wages.
• Ridership and access: State-supported routes carry about 14.5 million riders annually, accounting for 44% of Amtrak's ridership outside the Northeast Corridor. These routes provide rail access within 30 miles of 152 million Americans, 68 million jobs, and 8.5 million college students.
• Tourism: Passenger rail is a significant driver of tourism, credited with generating 2.6 million tourists and approximately $1.4 billion in tourism spending annually. This supports roughly 21,000 tourism-related jobs.
• Community development: Public rail investment encourages private investment in real estate, housing, and commercial development near stations. The report notes that for every $1 of public funding, private investment can exceed $2 in station-adjacent projects.
• Social benefits: The study also identifies real but non-monetary benefits, such as expanded mobility for people with disabilities, reduced travel stress, and savings from lower highway congestion. 
• Capital investment: State and federal investment, averaging $600 million annually, supports infrastructure and equipment. This accounts for roughly 10,000 jobs and $700 million in annual earnings.
• Daily operations: This includes wages for crew, maintenance, and other services, supporting about 11,000 jobs and $867 million in annual earnings.
• Supply chain effects: Over 5,500 businesses in the supply chain benefit from passenger rail, including parts manufacturers and food suppliers. 

Estela Martinez-Stuart, Director of Leisure Sales, Visit Fort Worth says of the The Heartland Flyer: "it has been a great success in Fort Worth, bringing families, tour groups, and senior travelers to experience everything our city has to offer. We’re passionate about welcoming visitors and crafting custom itineraries tailored to their interests, from the historic Fort Worth Stockyards and our walkable downtown to our Cultural District, home to world-class museums."  

Photo credit: Texas Rail Advocates