From Los Angeles Business Journal · Hannah Welk · · 1m 50s
State High-Speed Rail Faces Decades of Delay
California's high-speed rail project, approved for environmental clearance, faces decades of delay and soaring costs.
In brief
California's high-speed rail project, approved for environmental clearance, faces decades of delay and soaring costs. California's high-speed rail project, approved for environmental clearance, faces decades of delay and soaring costs. Originally reported by Los Angeles Business Journal.
Environmental Clearance Approved
The California High-Speed Rail Authority approved environmental documents for the final 33-mile leg between Union Station and Anaheim.
Project Cost Soars
The entire project's cost estimate ranges from $128 billion to $231 billion, up from $45 billion in 2008.
Travel Time Extended
The train journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles now takes over four hours, compared to two hours forty minutes in 2008.
Bakersfield to Anaheim Segment
The Bakersfield to Anaheim segment, including stations in Palmdale, Hollywood-Burbank Airport, and Union Station, is the last to be built.
Tunneling Challenges
The segment requires 28 miles of tunneling through the Tehachapi and San Gabriel mountain ranges, including two tunnels of at least 12 miles each.
Funding Shortfall
The authority has $39 billion in funding, but $4 billion was pulled by President Trump in 2026, leaving the project underfunded.
Construction Timeline
Track laying for the Bakersfield to Merced segment could start by year-end, with the Bakersfield to Anaheim segment expected to open by 2040.
Political Challenges
Political decisions in 2008 led to cost overruns, with the initial estimate of $33 billion now far below current projections.
Travel Time Impact
The high-speed rail line would not be competitive with air travel, as flight durations between Los Angeles and San Francisco are under 90 minutes.
Funding Strategy
The authority plans to use fare revenue from profitable segments to fund the Bakersfield to Anaheim segment construction.
Recent Developments
The authority is exploring private funding for the Bakersfield to Anaheim segment in exchange for operating the trains on the route.
What matters most
California's high-speed rail project, approved for environmental clearance, faces decades of delay and soaring costs.
