California’s high-speed rail now ‘worst project in history’ — as insiders reveal unbelievable new cost
California's high-speed rail project is facing intense scrutiny as updated estimates put the total cost at $231 billion, up from an initial $33 billion, prompting calls to abandon the effort. The project, approved in 2008 and originally slated for completion by 2020, has spent $14 billion so far with no operational trains. Lawmakers from both parties raised concerns over transparency, funding gaps, and unrealistic projections during a Senate committee hearing. Despite criticism, some Democratic legislators continue to support the project, citing long-term benefits and ongoing public approval.
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Politics exclusive details California’s high-speed rail now ‘worst project in history’ — as insiders reveal unbelievable new cost By Josh Koehn Published April 28, 2026, 8:57 p.m. ET Calls are growing for California’s high-speed rail to be abandoned completely after revelations the estimated cost of completing Gavin Newsom’s fantasy train project has ballooned to a staggering $231 billion. The latest cost revisions for the project — revealed during a Senate Transportation Committee meeting — left lawmakers fuming after the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office flagged numerous concerns. State Sen. Tony Strickland, vice chair of the STC, said the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s plan continues to obscure true costs — and now he’s calling for the entire project to be scrapped.
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