Press Releases

Today, Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released a statement following the grant announcement for a Heartland Flyer passenger rail service extension.

"I have long advocated for the Heartland Flyer passenger rail service extension and am excited for this first stage of a service development plan, allowing south central Kansas residents, like those in Newton, Wichita and Ark City, to have expanded transportation options and to increase economic opportunities for our region," said Rep. Estes.

The proposed corridor, which would connect the Heartland Flyer to the Southwest Chief passenger rail line in Newton, includes Kansas stops in Wichita and Arkansas City, as well as Ponca City, Perry and Edmond in Oklahoma. The Heartland Flyer, which currently terminates in Oklahoma City, continues south reaching Fort Worth, Texas.

Rep. Estes and his staff have engaged with stakeholders and participated in passenger rail meetings since his first term in the House. Rep. Estes led a House delegation letter to Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg in March of 2021 regarding passenger rail service in Kansas. This was in addition to joining two letters led by Sen. Jerry Moran in November 2022 and February 2023.