$67B building cost estimated for Calif. HSR first phase

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Merced Sun-Star reported that the California High-Speed Rail Authority presented a draft of its latest business plan to the state’s High-Speed Rail Authority board in Sacramento.

The plan estimates that the cost for building the first 520-mile phase of the train line between San Francisco and Los Angeles will be $67.6 billion, which is about 1% less than the $68.4 billion estimate from the 2012 business plan.

The plan also includes estimates on ridership, fare revenue, and long-term operations and maintenance costs. The draft is subject to 60 days of public comment before a final version is sent to the State Legislature by May 1.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Jeff Morales told the paper the business plan is an update to the organization’s 2012 business plan and includes input from government agencies, academics, critics and international rail experts. For the full story, click here.

To read a copy of the business plan draft click here.