California High-Speed Rail Bakersfield to Merced Line

under construction

California's high-speed rail project aims to connect cities with a high-speed rail line. The Bakersfield to Merced segment is the first to see construction and has experienced significant cost overruns and delays. The project has yet to see an operational train or connected cities despite billions spent. The current budget for this segment has grown to $38.5 billion, with a potential additional funding need of $3.2 billion due to inflation and rising material costs. The project completion date has been delayed to 2033 or later. Governor Newsom proposes using cap-and-trade funds to provide a stable funding stream and extend the cap-and-trade program to 2045 to support the project.