‘People and Politics’: Riding the Heartland Flyer

Travel Blog  •  Eva Holland  •  10.21.08 | 3:00 PM ET

oklahoma

The Independent’s Simon Calder takes a ride on the Heartland Flyer, Amtrak’s little-used train from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City, and reflects on why the obscure route is still operating, despite heavy losses. The answer?

“People and politics,” he writes. “Oklahoma City was once, like so many U.S. conurbations, a railroad hub. ... Even though only a small fraction of the population ever travels by rail, the state capital wants to feel part of the network the nation was built upon. On Capitol Hill in Washington (two days away by train, if you’re interested), favors are traded like cattle. Politicians who need to keep the voters sweet will do whatever is necessary to keep Oklahoma City linked to the national network.” 

Related on World Hum:
* In Praise of Amtrak (Again)
* The All-American Train Ride?

Photo by TheFriendlyFiend via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Tags: Train Travel, News and Briefs

Eva Holland is co-editor of World Hum. She is a former associate editor at Up Here and Up Here Business magazines, and a contributor to Vela. She's based in Canada's Yukon territory.


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