California’s long-promised high-speed rail project is again under fire as costs soar and deadlines slip. Nearly two decades after voter approval, billions have been spent with little physical progress to show. Inspectors warn the first segment alone may miss its targets, while critics argue political momentum keeps the project alive despite worsening economics.
California’s high-speed rail has burned ~$12B with no completed track. Costs may top $128B, timelines are slipping, ridership is down, and critics say Newsom’s “train to nowhere” survives only because too much money—and pride—is already sunk. #TrainToNowhere#California pic.twitter.com/lRZ4VAjQXW
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) February 7, 2026
- California Governor Gavin Newsom has been criticized for promoting the state’s high-speed rail project despite major cost overruns and delays.
- Voters approved a $9.95B bond in 2008 for a Los Angeles–San Francisco rail system; costs are now projected to exceed $128B.
- Nearly $12B has been spent without a completed mile of high-speed track.
- The initial Merced–Bakersfield segment (171 miles) alone is projected at $35.3B.
- State inspector general Benjamin Belnap reported the project is unlikely to meet its 2033 completion target.
- Ridership projections have fallen by roughly 25%.
- The article portrays recent photo ops as misleading, using conventional freight tracks to imply progress.
- Media coverage praising Newsom’s image is contrasted with criticism of his governing record.
- The project is framed as politically irreversible due to sunk costs.
