The California High-Speed Rail Authority executed a Co-Development Agreement (CDA) with Momentum Alliance Partners, a global consortium of high-speed rail infrastructure and investment firms positioned to help finance and deliver future high-speed rail expansion projects through potential public-private partnership models and long-term infrastructure commercialization opportunities, according to a press release.

Momentum Alliance Partners includes internationally recognized firms specializing in infrastructure investment, rail operations, engineering, systems integration, and commercial development, including Plenary Americas, CDPQ Infra, Keolis, SNCF Voyageurs, Jacobs, Sener, SYSTRA, Setec, Arup, and Steer.

About the CDA

The CDA establishes a collaborative predevelopment partnership intended to evaluate future delivery opportunities through public-private partnership models.

With the execution of this agreement, the partnership enters a co-development phase of up to 30 months, focused on identifying viable strategies to accelerate future system expansion beyond the segment currently under active construction between the California cities of Merced and Bakersfield.

The consortium will evaluate infrastructure sequencing, delivery models, financing strategies, operational concepts, and opportunities for private-sector participation in future expansion segments.

Providing Expertise

Within Momentum Alliance Partners, operations and maintenance expertise will be provided by a dedicated joint venture between Keolis and SNCF Voyageurs.

The joint venture combines complementary strengths: Keolis is a large operator of commuter rail services in the US, with two decades of experience partnering with American public transportation authorities; and SNCF Voyageurs, an operator of high-speed trains in Europe, including the French TGV and Eurostar.

“We are proud to be a part of Momentum Alliance Partners on what will be the first true high-speed rail project in the United States,” said Brad Thomas, president and CEO of Keolis North America. “With our local skillsets and international capabilities, we’re in a unique position to drive the future of rail in the United States in partnership with public authorities.”