California-Long Bullet Train Plan Could Be Shot Dead

"The governor's plan jeopardizes a project that has consumed an estimated $30 million in public funds, but one whose soaring price tag has raised questions about its viability. The stage is set for a fight in the Legislature over high-speed rail, which was projected to cost up to $37 billion, break ground in 2007 and begin serving passengers 10 to 12 years later."

"Bullet trains, which operate in Japan and Europe, were envisioned as a way to reduce traffic congestion by zooming commuters from Sacramento to San Jose in 50 minutes, for example, or from San Francisco to Los Angeles in an estimated 2 hours, 35 minutes."