Discussions are underway that could see the first stage of the California high speed railway, which is currently under construction, connect Bakersfield to Gilroy rather than Merced after a report concluded it would be more financially viable.
Newsweek contacted the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), which is behind the plan, for comment on Saturday via email outside of regular office hours.
Why It Matters
Currently, the United States lags significantly behind the likes of Japan, China and western Europe on high-speed rail, though construction has begun on the California high speed rail project and a number of other proposed lineshave been made across the country.
However, the Trump administration’s support for high-speed rail has been questioned and in July Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revoked a $4 billion federal grant that had been allocated the California high speed rail project.
What To Know
Speaking to local network Fox26 News, a CHSRA spokesperson said it was considering building the first stage of the new line from Bakersfield to Gilroy rather than Merced…