Wanted: High-Speed Rail Operator for California

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has taken the first official step to find a train operator for the initial operating segment of the 800-mile project: connecting the Central Valley to the Silicon Valley, with estimated completion by 2024.

2 minute read

December 26, 2016, 11:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


As posted Dec. 15, the California High-Speed Rail Authority approved the first outlay from the $9.95 billion of 2008 general obligation bond funds to pay for rail construction in the Central Valley and help fund Caltrain commuter rail electrification. [See December construction update (PDF).]

At that same meeting, the Authority "authoriz(ed) the issuance of a 'request for qualifications' from potential train-operating companies to guide the planning and earliest stages of operations for the bullet train system between the San Joaquin and Silicon valleys," reported Tim Sheehan of The Fresno Bee on Dec. 13. The RFQ was issued on Dec. 16.

"Engaging the early train operator at this time will help us shape our future procurements and provide important guidance as we continue progress on the nation’s first high-speed rail program," said Authority CEO Jeff Morales in a Dec. 16 press release. "The feedback we have received from the private sector demonstrates that this is the best way to approach the program in a timely and efficient manner."

Today’s action was the first part of a two-part procurement process, with a Request for Proposals to be released to qualified offerors in spring 2017 with the goal of having the Early Train Operator on board this summer. 

With more than 119 miles of active construction in the Central Valley, construction of a high-speed rail line between the Silicon Valley and Central Valley is planned to be complete by 2024, with passenger service beginning in 2025. 

"Meanwhile, CHSRA late last week issued its first sustainability report [PDF], which describes the agency's approach to design, construction and operations of the state's planned high-speed rail system," reports Progressive Railroading.

Hat tip to Jim Mathews, President and CEO, National Association of Railroad Passengers, for including this development in the NARP Hotline.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Earlier on Planetizen:

The California High-Speed Rail Authority's Board Took a 'Momentous' Step on TuesdayDecember 15, 2016: The California High-Speed Rail Authority voted on December 13 to approve two plans that would spend $3.2 billion in high-speed rail bond funds for continuing construction in the Central Valley and help pay for Caltrain commuter rail electrification.

Friday, December 16, 2016 in Progressive Railroading

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

March 18 - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.