TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A Kansas-based company is seeking proposals from private rail carriers to provide passenger service between Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

The request for proposals by WATCO Companies of Pittsburg, Kansas, would create passenger rail service from downtown Tulsa through the cities of Sapulpa, Bristow, Stroud, Chandler and Midwest City into downtown Oklahoma City.

Legislation adopted in 2011 created a task force to study ways to link northeastern Oklahoma with the existing Heartland Flyer passenger service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas. The state sold an existing rail line to Watco, which currently operates freight service over the line and plans upgrades to accommodate passenger cars.

Proposals are due on July 27. State Rep. Monroe Nichols of Tulsa says bringing passenger rail service to Tulsa is a "fantastic economic development opportunity."