California Construction News staff writer
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has released its Draft 2026 Business Plan for public review, outlining a streamlined approach to delivering high-speed rail service between San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim at a lower projected cost.
The draft plan, issued Friday, reflects a $1.7-billion reduction in projected Phase 1 costs, which cover the initial segment between San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim.
Savings are coming from efforts to “right-size” the project and prioritize investments that would bring service online as quickly and economically as possible.
The 60-day public comment period runs from Feb. 28 to April 29.
In a statement, Authority Board Chair Tom Richards said the draft plan focuses on completing the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment, expanding service to major population centres and generating early revenue through asset commercialization and real estate development.
“It explains how we build from progress underway, prioritize investments that produce early and durable commercial benefits, and create the conditions for long-term financial strength and private-sector participation as the system expands,” Richards said.
The plan includes public funding, proposed private financing and legislative changes to advance construction and begin revenue-generating service. Officials said additional revenue streams could include real estate development and ancillary projects tied to the rail corridor.
Construction is ongoing along 171 miles between Merced and Bakersfield, with nearly 80 miles of guideway completed and close to 60 major structures finished. Another 29 structures are under construction across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties, according to the authority.
Statewide, 463 of the planned 494 miles in the San Francisco-to-Los Angeles/Anaheim system have been fully environmentally cleared and are ready for construction.
Since construction began, the project has generated more than 16,400 jobs, most of them filled by residents of the Central Valley. Up to 1,700 workers report to job sites daily, the authority said. Officials estimate the project has generated nearly $25 billion in economic impact across the state.
The draft business plan is available for review online, and comments may be submitted through an online form, by email, by mail or at the authority’s March 4 board meeting in Sacramento.
