California discusses revised budget for high-speed rail connecting major cities

The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding California's high-speed rail project. A key focus of the meeting was the budget for the project, particularly the segment from Merced to Bakersfield, which currently stands at $35.3 billion. However, officials indicated that this figure is subject to change as they work to update the overall capital expenditure estimates.

Assembly members were informed that the initial budget for the entire high-speed rail project, which aims to connect San Francisco to Los Angeles, was previously estimated at $106 billion. This figure is now considered outdated, and further assessments are underway to provide a more accurate financial outlook. The project originally began with a much lower estimate of $10 billion, highlighting the significant increase in projected costs over time.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of connecting major population centers beyond the current scope of the project. Plans include extending connections to areas such as Gilroy and Palmdale, which would integrate with existing transportation networks and potentially link California to neighboring states.

The committee acknowledged the necessity of private investment to maximize the project's benefits, stressing that no single entity could fully realize the potential of such a large-scale initiative. However, they noted that securing long-term stable funding remains a critical challenge.

As the meeting concluded, the committee opened the floor for public comments, inviting stakeholders and community members to share their perspectives on the ongoing developments. The next steps will involve further discussions and evaluations to ensure informed decision-making regarding the high-speed rail project.