This is why California’s wasting another $3.5B on high speed rail
California's high-speed rail project continues to face criticism as the state allocates an additional $3.5 billion to it. Critics argue that this funding is primarily aimed at supporting Governor Gavin Newsom's presidential ambitions rather than benefiting residents. The project, which has seen significant delays and cost overruns, has become a symbol of governmental inefficiency.
- ▪The high-speed rail project was initially promised to connect LA and San Francisco in under three hours for $33 billion.
- ▪Eighteen years later, the estimated cost has ballooned to $231 billion, with no track laid yet.
- ▪Governor Gavin Newsom has faced pressure to continue funding the project despite acknowledging its issues.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Opinion This is why California’s wasting another $3.5B on high speed rail By CA Post Editorial Board Published June 2, 2026, 9:02 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google High-speed rail in California has become synonymous with failure, a waste, a racket, a punchline. So why shovel $3.5 billion more into the project, as the state’s High-Speed Rail Authority did this week? Short answer: to prop up Gavin Newsom’s presidential dream. If the governor wanted to do right by California residents, he’d simply abandon the long-stalled project, absorb the sunk cost and move on. But that would mean admitting the obvious: He’s led the state down a dead end. Construction of the San Joaquin River Viaduct.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at California Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from California Post
