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California High-Speed Rail Project Costs Soar to $126 Billion

4/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

California's high-speed rail project now costs about $126 billion, far above the 2008 estimate of $33 billion.
Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin acknowledged mistakes and said some criticism is justified.
The project has been scaled back to a Central Valley segment with no tracks laid as of 2026.
Critics call it a waste of taxpayer money and question completion amid a $90 billion funding gap.

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Story summary

California's high-speed rail project now costs about $126 billion, far above the 2008 estimate of $33 billion.
Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin acknowledged mistakes and said some criticism is justified.
The project has been scaled back to a Central Valley segment with no tracks laid as of 2026.
Critics call it a waste of taxpayer money and question completion amid a $90 billion funding gap.