by Marc Brenman

High speed rail (HSR) is touted by the Obama Administration and has become popular among some constituencies in the United States, including rail enthusiasts, environmentalists, and those enamored of Europe’s and Japan’s rail system. Its supporters claim that HSR has many advantages over cars and claim to reduce car travel. However, in The City Project’s view, there are many uncertainties about HSR.

How much will it cost? In California, official estimates from the California HSR Project are around $35 billion. But traditionally, cost estimates for mega-projects run 40 to 200 percent low. Where will the money come from? In California, it will come from $9 billion from bonds, and much of the rest from the federal government. But there is no new transportation money available from the federal government, so the money will come from other transportation projects, including projects where the need is great, such as bus service in low income areas. The opportunity cost is large. Various studies by transportation experts have shown that the financial risks for HSR in California are great. Continue reading. . .