California’s US$40bn high-speed rail network may never go ahead, according to reports in the US which cite dwindling funds and a lack of commitment by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as key stumbling blocks.
Instead, frustrated mayor Bob Magee is suggesting extending the state's Metrolink, which will run at half the speed of the proposed network. Other electorates are proposing high-speed bus lanes to cater for town planning demands.
Governor Schwarzenegger has reduced funding for the high-speed network, which has been in the framework since 1993, from the requested US$103m to $1.6m.
According to Fresno Congressman Jim Costa, that will barely cover the project’s administration costs.
"High speed rail is a critical need for our state, and especially for our Valley (Fresno)," Costa said in a press statement.
Original plans for the two-and-a-half-hour high-speed network were to create a fast rail link between the San Francisco Bay area and Los Angeles, with extensions to San Diego and Sacramento to come later.
