Xavier Becerra’s Plan for the High-Speed Rail Project
As the election nears, California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra has announced his intention to revise the current high-speed rail plan to ensure timely completion. The bullet train project, aimed at connecting Los Angeles to San Francisco at speeds of up to 220 miles per hour, has faced significant delays, funding issues, and escalating costs. Originally supported by voters in 2008 with a projected completion by 2020, the project is now expected to finish in early 2038, subject to the support of Governor Gavin Newsom’s successor.
Becerra spoke to voters in Fresno, expressing his commitment to adhere to budget and time constraints, although he did not disclose specifics on how he would achieve these goals. Becerra has held numerous roles, including serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Attorney General of California, and U.S. Representative.
“I’m going to scrap the current configuration, and I’m going to make sure we finish,” Becerra stated to a crowd, as reported.
Reasons for Project Delays
The high-speed rail project has been hampered since its inception. Californians narrowly approved Proposition 1A over 17 years ago, which sanctioned nearly $10 billion in bonds. However, the project’s expenses have more than doubled from initial estimates, slowing progress and pushing completion beyond the original schedule.
Funding issues have been persistent, with the initial $10 billion deemed insufficient. A 2006 estimate projected a $45 billion cost for the rail system, excluding inflation effects. Federal funding experienced fluctuations, receiving support from the Obama administration, then facing reductions under Trump. Biden reinstated funding, allocating $3.1 billion, but the project still faced a $7 billion shortfall for a segment between Merced and Bakersfield.
Environmental considerations have driven costs higher. The planned route passes through agricultural regions, necessitating strict compliance with environmental regulations. Nearly $765 million has been spent on environmental reviews from fiscal year 2024 to 2025.
Recent legislative reforms weakened California Environmental Quality Act requirements, a move praised for expediting the rail vision without substantial environmental compromise. By now, 463 miles of the proposed system have cleared environmental reviews.
Candidates’ Views on the Rail Project
The high-speed rail remains a divisive issue among gubernatorial candidates. Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa prefers expanding transit rather than canceling the project, while Katie Porter advocates completion, albeit with skepticism. Republican candidates express stronger opposition, with Chad Bianco labeling it a “train to nowhere” and Tony Strickland calling it a “mismanaged failure.”
Despite criticism, a survey indicated that 62 percent of Californians would continue supporting the rail project even in the absence of federal funding, demonstrating significant public backing.