California's High Speed Rail Plans

Officials from the California High Speed Rail Authority are eager to begin bullet train service in the state by 2020.

1 minute read

April 27, 2001, 10:00 AM PDT

By California 2000


"The bullet trains would be a whole new system of rail transit, traveling up to 200 miles an hour over most of the 700 mile system and running on a separate track that would not intersect city streets. Bullet train supporters estimate that the trains would take a little more than two hours to go from Sacramento to Los Angeles and would only cost about $40 for the one-way trip. Official say the new rail system will cost about $25 billion, but will pay off by generating about $900 million a year in revenue, a third of which would go back to the state. To fund the project, a bond election will be held, and the Authority would also seek federal funding and private investment. While airline representatives assert that the plan in notpractical, rail passenger groups are excited about the new project, hoping it will help relieve freeway congestion."

Thanks to California 2000 Project

Friday, April 20, 2001 in The Sacramento Bee

Young Professional

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 and Environmental 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 and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A rendering of the Beltline light rail, which goes through a forested area. People walk on a path next to it.

Atlanta City Council unanimously backs $3.5 billion Beltline light rail project

The resolution was drafted after Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens pulled support for the Atlanta Streetcar extension last year.

1 hour ago - Construction Review

A person boards a SEPTA bus.

SEPTA to bring nearby frequent transit to over 1 million new riders as part of decade-long plan

The agency's Accelerate plan will also bring frequent transit to twice the amount of jobs that are currently located near it.

2 hours ago - Mass Transit

Five people squat by a tree in NYC, helping to care for it.

NYC plants over 18,000 trees, the most new foliage in a decade

Many of the trees were planted in communities vulnerable to extreme heat.

3 hours ago - AM NY