Journalist: Gabby Burke (OSU)
In the House of Representatives on Saturday afternoon, House Bill OSU-518 was introduced by Rep. Hamilton (OSU). The measure, also titled the “Oklahoma Connection” Act of 2026, seeks to revive efforts to establish passenger rail service between Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
The primary goal of the bill is to reinstate the Eastern Flyer Passenger Rail Development Task Force, which was originally established in 2011 under House Bill 1686. That task force was dissolved in 2013, halting progress on the proposed rail line.
Under the legislation, the Eastern Flyer would operate as a commuter rail system, providing intercity transportation with regularly scheduled service. The bill specifies that the rail system must operate at speeds of at least 40 miles per hour and span a corridor of no less than 30 miles, aligning with standard definitions of commuter rail.
The proposed rail line would function as a “conjointly operated and jointly owned commuter rail service,” meaning both public entities and private partners would share responsibility for operations and oversight. Funding for the project would come from a combination of federal grants, Department of Transportation funding, state appropriations and private sector contributions.
The task force would be responsible for studying the project’s feasibility, including projected costs, operational logistics and infrastructure compatibility. Members would also review similar rail systems across the United States and Canada to determine best practices and potential models for implementation in Oklahoma. In addition, the group would consider factors such as station placement, connectivity and integration with existing transportation systems in both metropolitan areas.
Despite its authority, the task force would not be permitted to obligate state funds, enter into contracts or otherwise bind the state without further legislative approval.
House Bill OSU-518 passed the House of Representatives with a unanimous vote of 55-0. If enacted, appointments to the task force would begin within 31 days of the bill’s approval, with initial meetings to follow within 90 days. The task force would be required to submit its final report by Dec. 31, 2027, and would be dissolved by Feb. 1, 2028.