California's High Speed Rail project is now predicted to cost $98B and not be completed [[Anaheim to San Francisco, about half the length of the state) until 2033, 13 years later than planned. Just 2 years ago it was $43B and 2020. These are not the numbers of skeptics [[who would suggest it will cost yet more and take even longer), but are the official numbers put up by California officials in charge and in favor of it. The LA Times [[NOT a right wing rag, btw) has a story today http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la...,4160884.story ,
What is truly absurd is that they are plowing ahead, without any plan to pay for the bulk of the project. It is entirely conceivable that they will spend $50B and not be able to finish it. Note: they are building the central, least populated portion first. So if they can't finish it, it will be entirely unused. They could octuple the LA subway system for this money, which would take far more cars off the road, helping both traffic and the environment a whole lot more.
High Speed Rail- even if it could be done on time and on budget [[and there is no history to show that it can be)- is a very poor use of limited taxpayer transit funds. I think the Feds should insist that if it is not done on time and on budget, California should have to pay back every penny to the US Treasury. I hope Michigan can be realistic about transit projects. Already bankrupt California sees no problem with massive amounts of new spending. And the taxes are so high there already! How will they pay for it all? And keep in mind, even if actually completed, it is being planned to need substantial subsidies to operate [[again, by those in charge and in favor). A twelve-digit transit project! If all goes well! It is ragingly irresponsible.