HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The new transportation infrastructure plan could mean the largest increase in Amtrak rail passenger service since the railroad came into being 50 years ago.
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The Amtrak Connects US plan would bring back service to Wichita with the extension of the Heartland Flyer from Oklahoma City to Newton. The route has been studied for the past several years, but this is the most traction it has received. Currently, Amtrak runs bus services from Newton to Oklahoma City.
Other cities that have long lost rail service could also see trains again including Phoenix, Las Vegas, Duluth, Minnesota, and Pueblo, Colorado. The plan also calls for more service on existing routes. Wichita hasn’t had Amtrak service since the Lone Star was eliminated from the Amtrak fleet in 1979.
Amtrak is preparing to restore full-service to its long-distance routes including the Southwest Chief, which serves Kansas starting May 31.