Company Hopes To Expand Eastern Flyer Passenger Train Service

After the first three Eastern Flyer train trips sold out within 10 days, the company behind the Sapulpa-to-Oklahoma City area train journey has formally requested permission to expand its rail service program.

News On 6 was there when the passenger train took its first passengers from the Tulsa area to Midwest City on February 9, 2014. Iowa Pacific, operator of the Eastern Flyer, says they are prepared to begin regular service by Memorial Day weekend.

"The people along the Sooner sub corridor have been waiting patiently for rail passenger service," said Ed Ellis, president of Iowa Pacific.

"We are thrilled with the communities' response and would like to continue serving them with exceptional rail travel."

2/9/2014 Related Story: Passenger Rail Makes Debut With Round Trip From Sapulpa

The Eastern Flyer will initially run between Midwest City and Sapulpa with shuttles to take passengers to a number of popular spots, should Iowa Pacific's proposal be approved by the State of Oklahoma.

Access to downtown Tulsa is expected to come in about six months with access to Oklahoma City to follow at a later date, according to a news release.

"Iowa Pacific will also continue working to improve running time, with a long-term goal of highway-competitive trip times," the release states.