Field Poll: HSR Falls Into Disfavor With Majority Of Californians

According to the non-partisan, independent poll, 64% of respondents endorse placing the 2008, $9.95 billion bond measure back on the ballot to allow voters to choose to proceed with the train project now that costs have doubled; 59% would vote 'no'.

1 minute read

December 6, 2011, 9:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


Clearly all the disappointing news, foremost the escalation in costs with the new business plan, and the lawsuits in the Central Valley and Peninsula may have taken their toll. Only 31% would vote to continue the project if it were placed on the ballot today - Proposition 1A (PDF) passed with 52.6% of the vote three years ago.

"The new Field Poll (PDF) finds support for another vote on the issue is strong regardless of voters' political affiliations and how they voted on the 2008 measure.

Among Republicans, 73 percent would vote against the train funding; 49 percent of Democrats would say no."

The California Report (audio tape): Field Poll: Buyers remorse - "A new poll out this morning shows a strong bipartisan urge to put the idea of a statewide bullet train back on the ballot."

About the Field Poll: "During its long history, The Field Poll has acquired a national reputation as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of public opinion trends in California..."

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 in San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

White Waymo autonomous car driving fast down city street with blurred background at night.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars

Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Two small wooden one-story homes in Florida with floodwaters at their doors.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?

With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

4 hours ago - Governing

People riding bicycles on separated bike trail.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike

For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

6 hours ago - UNM News