The cities of Menlo Park and Atherton had challenged the location of the proposed line and were hoping to force the California High-Speed Rail Authority to reconsider where it would run.
"High-speed train critics wanted an immediate stop to environmental studies until questions surrounding a proposed Gilroy-to-San Jose track alignment are cleared up as well as issues the Union Pacific railroad raised about allowing its right of way to be used by the bullet train.
Instead, the judge ordered bullet train opponents and the high-speed rail authority to present briefs and oral arguments Oct. 9 on the Gilroy-to-San Jose section and the Union Pacific issue."