“This service has exceeded its ridership expectations from the day it started and even in the current economic climate is on a record-setting pace,” said Mike Chandler, who is responsible for the Heartland Flyer service as Amtrak General Superintendent, Southwest Division.
Since this Amtrak fiscal year began October 1, 2010, and through May 2011, ridership on the Heartland Flyer has grown by nearly 10 percent compared with the same period a year ago. Total ridership since the Heartland Flyer inauguration on June 14, 1999, now totals 790,713.
This Saturday on the Paul Adams Memorial Platform at the Santa Fe Depot in Oklahoma City, volunteers will provide complimentary coffee, bottled water, donuts and souvenir badges to passengers departing at 8:25 a.m. On the Heartland Flyer’s return trip that evening from Fort Worth, a series of drawings will be held for souvenir items provided by the online communities.
Using a special anniversary fare good from now through June 30, rail travelers can now purchase an adult train ticket for as little as $20.80 each way to ride the full Heartland Flyer route, which is 20% off the regular ticket price. Kids’ fares and ticket prices between other cities on the route are even lower. Tickets must be purchased by June 27 to qualify for the discounted price. Reservations for the discounted fare can be booked only by calling the Amtrak customer contact center at 800-USA-RAIL and asking for code V547.