In the wake of Trump’s cuts to high-speed rail projects, rail authorities are looking to private-public partnerships to supplement their budgets.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority is seeking outside funding to continue its work on an HSR line that would eventually connect Los Angeles and San Francisco.
According to Dan Zukowski of Smart Cities Dive, “Possible areas of discussion include monetizing assets such as train sets, station facilities, track access, fast cargo and parcels movement. Other opportunities include transit-oriented development, real estate, allowing fiber optic lines along the right-of-way and leasing certain assets to the private sector.” Authority CEO Ian Choudri says the agency has reached out to private sector investors who have expressed “strong and growing interest” and will release a request for expression of interest for private-public partnerships soon.
In Texas, USDOT also pulled funding for the proposed Dallas-to-Houston HSR line, ending Amtrak’s involvement in the project. Now, Texas Central officials are similarly seeking out private investment to make up for the loss.
FULL STORY: California high-speed rail project seeks outside investors
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