The U.S. Has Long Dreamed of Having a High-Speed Train. It’s Been a Nightmare So Far

The U.S. has long envisioned the development of high-speed rail. The plan is ambitious: connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles in under three hours. The project also aims to reduce emissions and revitalize rail transport. Most of all, it wants to prove that the country can compete with Europe and Asia in 21st-century mobility.

However, what was meant to symbolize modernity has devolved into one of the most chaotic and controversial infrastructure projects in recent history.

In 2008, California voters approved $10 billion in bonds to take the first significant step toward a high-speed rail line. It was intended to run north-south across the state at speeds of 220 mph. The initial timetable aimed for an opening date in 2020. However, five years later, only 22 miles of track have been laid so far. There are no trains and no operational stations.

The future of the project looks uncertain, to say the least.

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Delays, Cost Overruns, and Uncertainty

The current estimated total cost of the project exceeds $106 billion, which is more than three times the initial budget. The planned route has been significantly reduced. The goal of connecting Sacramento with San Diego has been set aside, and the focus is now on a much more modest segment. The trail should extend across 171 miles in the Central Valley between Merced and Bakersfield. This area has low population density, raising questions about its actual impact on mobility.

So, why is the project proving so difficult? There’s no straight answer. One major issue has been the challenging acquisition of private land. Additionally, relocating public infrastructure (pipelines, power lines, and flyovers) has significantly increased expenses. However, the most critical factor has been the lack of stable financing.

Progress on the project has been inconsistent, hampered by fragmented budgets, partial commitments, and conditional funding. Without a clear plan and consistent federal support, the project has faced delays, cost overruns, and growing frustration.

Despite these challenges, progress is being made. After receiving a historic funding boost of nearly $3.1 billion from the federal government, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) took a crucial step. In January 2024, it announced the list of finalist suppliers for the manufacture of its electric trains.

The two chosen companies, Alstom and Siemens, are well-established rail giants with proven experience in Europe. The aim is to procure trains capable of exceeding 220 mph, designed specifically for this route and tailored to meet California’s unique needs.

The project goes beyond just focusing on speed. It includes a significant and innovative effort to enhance the overall travel experience from the start. The CHSRA has installed a full-scale model of one of the train cars in Sacramento. The wood and foam mockup allows visitors to visualize every detail of the interior.

The train car mockup has been instrumental in gathering feedback from accessibility experts, engineers, public officials, and user associations. The suggestions received are comprehensive and thoughtful, addressing several needs. These include large accessible restrooms and emergency buttons that can be reached from the floor in case of a fall. Other experts suggested family-friendly areas, private capsule-type compartments, and spaces specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.

California has leveraged a structural advantage in its high-speed train initiative. Cars will be wider than conventional trains in the country, allowing for wider aisles without compromising passenger space. According to the CHSRA, the aim is to create a truly inclusive train designed for everyone.

More than 25 construction sites are currently active in the Central Valley, with nearly 1,500 workers on-site daily. The team has environmentally cleared 422 miles of the future route. It’s also built more than 50 structures, including bridges, viaducts, and overpasses.

However, much of the project is still pending. The CHSRA needs to secure funding to complete the central section by mid-2026. CEO Ian Choudri says that the California state agency is on track to obtain necessary funding through private investors, federal loans, and new bonds. Still, the federal administration could change its stance on maintaining the currently committed funds.

The Department of Transportation has announced a full audit of the project. The aim is to determine whether California has fulfilled its commitments when it received federal money. The stakes are high. If the CHSRA doesn’t provide solid progress or enough guarantees, those funds could be reallocated to other states with more advanced projects.

The contrast with other countries is stark. Japan built its first Shinkansen bullet train in the 1960s. Spain has been expanding its AVE high-speed rail network for over three decades. Meanwhile, Morocco has operated its high-speed train between Tangier and Casablanca since 2018. In the U.S., the Acela remains the closest option, reaching speeds up to 150 mph on tracks that run through 19th-century tunnels.

However, the situation in California is complex. The proposed route goes through agricultural areas, urban centers, and protected land. Despite all the promises, agreements, and full-scale mockups, there’s a possibility that it may remain just a dream. The CHSRA still hopes that if completed, America’s first high-speed train could fundamentally change transportation in California and across the country.

Images | California High-Speed Rail

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