Being cash-strapped, however, leaves little room for the state to focus on transit-oriented development, which many believe would be a key to it's success. Experts cite what is referred to as the BART syndrome, where Bay Area Rapid Transit stations are often left without high-density development in close range, thus making little impact in reducing sprawl and car use.
According to Gabriel Metcalf of the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association, "the environmental benefits of rail will be lost if there isn't development around the stations, which are currently planned for both dense urban centers [Los Angeles and San Francisco] and more sprawling cities like Gilroy, Fresno and Bakersfield."
Thanks to Shay Kahen
Comments
Is CA HSR A Sure Thing?
I must disagree with the first sentence in the summary:
"California's high-speed rail project is in fact going to be built despite the state's looming budget crisis......"
I don't think anyone knows if it's a sure thing, especially with the Republicans holding the purse strings in the House, as well as CA's $28 B deficit....in fact, that's part of why HSRA selected the initial Borden to Corcoran route in the Central Valley which quickly earned the moniker, "Train To Nowhere". I believe the term is called, "independent utility" - in the event that the project ends, e.g. loses funding, the new tracks could still be used by 'slow-speed' Amtrak, current route of the San Joaquin line.
Fortunate for CA was the largess of WI and OH Gov.-elects and the wisdom of Ray LaHood.
Irvin Dawid, Palo Alto, CA