The new plan switches the order of construction, with a northern section being built before a more challenging southern section. It also invests in other rail systems that will be part of the extended network.
California High-Speed Rail Authority is seeking public comments on the new plan, which reflects the transition from planning to construction. Overall capital costs are reduced from US$67.6bn to US$64.2bn. The plan also provides a path forward for the construction and operation of a section of the route, which will generate revenue within the next decade.
Chief executive officer Jeff Morales said: “By constructing the line between the Silicon Valley and the Central Valley, while also making significant investments in Southern California’s passenger rail systems, high-speed rail service will become a reality in this state in the next 10 years at a lower cost than previously estimated.”
In the plan, the authority highlights three objectives to move programme forward. The first objective is to initiate high-speed rail passenger service as soon as possible in order to bring benefits and generate revenues. With more than 100 miles of construction in the Central Valley already under way, the authority will bring the line between Silicon Valley and Central Valley into operation in 2025.
The second objective is to make concurrent investments to connect state, regional and local rail systems.
The third objective is to construct additional segments as funding becomes available.
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