From news release:

Celebrations expected later this month in Oklahoma & Texas

CHICAGO - Little more than seven years after its inaugural run, the Amtrak Heartland Flyer has racked up some impressive numbers in its daily round-trips between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth - including high ridership growth and strong customer satisfaction - but the biggest number is expected later this month when the cumulative passenger count will pass a half-million.

The 500,000^th passenger will receive surprise recognition, with a prize package and an opportunity to appear in local news coverage, at both the Paul Adams Memorial Platform at the station in Oklahoma City and the Intermodal Transportation Center in Fort Worth.   Details of the event are being kept hush-hush for now, but it's no secret the Heartland Flyer has set the stage for more passenger rail service in both states.

Amtrak is carrying out a study for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), looking into extending the Heartland Flyer to Tulsa and other options, while Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) leaders and Amtrak officials have also been discussing additional passenger rail service.

"The success of the Heartland Flyer has been impressive," said Joe Kyle, ODOT's Rail Programs Division Manager.  "We hope to grow that success so more Oklahomans can benefit from it. Rail travel can be economical for Oklahomans concerned about fuel prices, or just a relaxing way to move around the state, taking in the scenery, while someone else does the work."

"In a growing state like Texas, it is important that people have transportation options to avoid traffic congestion," said Steve Simmons, interim executive director for TxDOT.  "The Heartland Flyer's success demonstrates how rail can help us reduce congestion, enhance safety, expand economic opportunity, improve air quality and increase the value of our transportation assets."

After a strong start on June 15, 1999, the Amtrak Heartland Flyer has done well, with ridership up by 5.8 percent for the current Amtrak fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30^th.   From last October through August, 63,535 passengers have ridden the train.

"We strive to treat every passenger as if it's their first trip, with the hospitality they deserve and a smile they might not expect when traveling nowadays," said Joy Smith, the Texas-based Amtrak Assistant Superintendent in charge of passenger service on the Heartland Flyer (Trains 821 & 822).

Amtrak operates the Heartland Flyer under contracts with ODOT and TxDOT, with the support of the Heartland Flyer Coalition, a grass-roots group representing communities and leaders along the 206-mile route.  Much of the reason the train has done well is the hard work of the volunteers of the Coalition.

This group sponsors the www.heartlandflyer.com website and organizes events all year that make the train experience even more special.  The coalition is working now on a project in November that is tied to Oklahoma's centennial celebration.

"While we enjoy staging events to attract new riders, the train's success depends on its reliability, the Amtrak crews and how it is dispatched by the BNSF Railway.  That is a lot of the Coalition's focus, along with the DOT's," said Judi Elmore of Ardmore, Okla., the head of the Coalition.

"The communities on our route in Oklahoma and Texas have responded with station improvements and other support, which is another reason for our success," Elmore added.

The Amtrak Heartland Flyer train is playing a part in Oklahoma's celebration of 100 years of statehood.  Until Dec.13, each adult passenger who uses a special promotional code can bring a companion with them at no additional charge.

Aside from a few black-out dates during holidays in November, passengers using discount code H711 are entitled to a free companion ticket for the same itinerary at the same time.  Enjoy the comfortable and reliable Heartland Flyer while sampling the history of the Sooner State.

For more information, including other provisions of the promotion, visit the "Hot Deals" section of the Amtrak.com website.

About the Oklahoma Department of Transportation

The mission of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is to provide a safe‚ economical‚ and effective transportation network for the people‚ commerce and communities of Oklahoma.  For more information, visit www.okladot.state.ok.us

About the Texas Department of Transportation

The mission of the Texas Department of Transportation is to work cooperatively to provide safe, effective and efficient movement of people and goods.  For more information, visit www.dot.state.tx.us

About Amtrak

Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail services to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 21,000-mile route system.  For schedules, fares and information, passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com or www.heartlandflyer.com.