Wichita Standard

Today, Representative Ron Estes of Kansas expressed his approval following the announcement of a grant for extending the Heartland Flyer passenger rail service. This extension is set to benefit residents in south central Kansas by providing more transportation options and boosting economic opportunities.

"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 rail corridor aims to connect the Heartland Flyer with the Southwest Chief line in Newton. It will include stops in Wichita and Arkansas City, Kansas, as well as Ponca City, Perry, and Edmond in Oklahoma. Currently, the Heartland Flyer ends its journey in Oklahoma City before continuing southward to Fort Worth, Texas.

Representative Estes has been actively involved with stakeholders and participated in meetings about passenger rail since his initial term in office. He led a House delegation letter addressed to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in March 2021 concerning rail services in Kansas. Additionally, he joined two letters spearheaded by Senator Jerry Moran in November 2022 and February 2023.