A new report from the California High-Speed Rail Authority outlines a clear path forward to connect the high-speed rail system to Northern and Southern California via the Central Valley.
The supplemental report to the 2025 Project Update Report said the connection was possible by 2039 contingent on sufficient long-term funding and will achieve commercial success at the earliest possible stage to ensure the system begins generating an economic return on the state’s investment.
The report highlighted the Authority’s focus on constructing a commercially viable high-speed rail system as soon as possible with the financial resources available, while making meaningful progress to completing full service between downtown San Francisco and downtown Los Angeles. The focus creates opportunities for the Authority to engage with the private sector through public-private-partnerships.
The report laid out three high-speed rail business case scenarios – Merced to Bakersfield; San Franciso to Gilroy to Bakersfield; and San Francisco to Gilroy to Palmdale. The report also outlined several opportunities for the state to support the project, including stable, long-term funding, environmental streamlining, actions to address permitting and third-party coordination, as well as what updates to state law are needed to provide construction flexibility, among others.
“I see clearer now more than ever the potential for this transformational project, one that can reshape the state and our society for the better,” said Ian Choudri, Authority CEO. “I see a future – by 2038 to 2039 – when operations are already connecting the Central Valley to population centers and innovation hubs, offering new career opportunities, economic mobility, affordable housing, and a cleaner environment.”
Work on the high-speed rail project continues daily, officials said, with 171 miles currently under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield. Nearly 70 miles of guideway are complete along with 55 fully completed structures, and an additional 29 more structures underway.