Questions raised about Calif. HSR on-time completion
At a cost of $6 billion for building the first 130-mile segment through the Central Valley by the federal deadline of September 2017, it would mean spending $3.5 million a day — the fastest burn rate for transportation construction in U.S. history.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Experts are questioning whether California’s high-speed rail project can be finished on time. At a cost of $6 billion for building the first 130-mile segment through the Central Valley by the federal deadline of September 2017, a Los Angeles Times analysis estimates, it would mean spending $3.5 million a day — the fastest burn rate for transportation construction in U.S. history, KGO-TV San Francisco reported.
The California High Speed Rail Authority told KGO-TV San Francisco it's ramping up its staff of 37 now, adding an engineer who helped build Taiwan's system and it's confident Phase One can be built on time. For the full story, click here.
More Rail

Stadler Marks 10 Years in the U.S. with Salt Lake City Expansion
The expansion is expected to create up to 300 new local jobs, some of which are youth apprenticeships, said Stadler officials.
Read More →
MBTA Selects STV to Support Battery-Electric Locomotive Procurement
The firm's seven-year contract includes end-to-end support from bid review and selection through procurement, production, and testing.
Read More →
Executive Order Aims to Improve Transit Access Across California
The order directs state agencies to streamline transit project delivery, improve coordination, and expand access to bus and passenger rail services across California.
Read More →
California High-Speed Rail Advances Merced–Madera Construction Procurement
The procurement represents a major expansion of active high-speed rail construction.
Read More →
Amtrak Finalizes Pre-Development Agreement for Penn Station Overhaul
The agreement advances plans for a $7 billion to $8 billion transformation of New York's busiest transit hub, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2027.
Read More →
New York MTA Leverages Zoning Program to Advance Station Accessibility
Accessibility enhancements at Nevins St Station will be financed through a development agreement tied to the MTA's Zoning for Accessibility initiative.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →