KQED's Forum What Will It Take to Complete California’s High Speed Rail?
Sep 8, 2025
Colleen Shalby, a transportation writer for the Los Angeles Times, joins Ralph Vartabedian, a veteran independent journalist on California's high-speed rail. They delve into the project's long history and ongoing controversies, including federal funding cuts and legal battles. The discussion highlights the ambitious budget overruns and the shifting public perception, illustrating the complexities of advancing this vital transportation initiative. They also weigh California's efforts against European models, shedding light on potential paths forward.
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Federal Funding Cut Halves Cash On Hand
- The Trump administration rescinded $4 billion in grants and labeled the project a "rail to nowhere."
- That move halved available federal cash and intensified legal and funding battles for California's rail.
Rescission Is Unusual But Legally Debatable
- Grant rescissions at this scale are unusual and legally contentious.
- California argues the rescission was arbitrary, and both sides may have defensible legal positions.
Promises Versus Reality: 2020 Was Missed
- The original plan promised service by 2020 at about $33 billion, but no segment is finished and costs skyrocketed.
- Misleading ridership projections and route choices contributed to delays and skepticism.