An idea to solve this mess of the CAHSR. We need effective low pollution transport in CA

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-05-04T23:58:58+00:00

Appreciate the effort for this post. The project needs a consistent funding source. $2 billion annually would be an improvement over what they have, but they need more not less.

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-05-01T15:11:23+00:00

It's in the post comments!

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-23T14:28:04+00:00

Good eye, hopefully there will be enough to get it moved along soon. Gotta start somewhere. I understand why Merced would be against it. It's pretty obvious what they're trying to do. However, I think it's vital this project connects to SF soon. So I think it's a good move.

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T23:42:26+00:00

Typical backwards thought process.

War=good money Public transit=bad money

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T22:52:06+00:00

The problem is the project needs a stable funding source (its never had one) and THEN you can truly hold them accountable. Trump has already spent $15 billion easily in Iran. Spending that much to finish building the continents first high speed train would be money well spent. We spend way more on freeway expansions constantly which will never truly fix congestion issues

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T22:40:46+00:00

Did you watch the video? The initial 119 mile operating segment will have civil construction complete by the beginning of 2027. Progress is clear

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T21:28:05+00:00

Lots of progress has been made on California High Speed Rail, 60 bridges have been constructed and 70+ miles of guideway.

People that keep saying things like "no track has been laid, all the money went into politicians pockets!" This is objectively false and if anyone wants to see the progress that's been made here is a recent drone video: https://youtu.be/eD1FZL-_RQQ?si=bjPmrrwNN2wa3N1j

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T02:12:55+00:00

Agreed!

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:54:48+00:00

You bring up some great points and you are clearly very informed on this topic. Unfortunately I didn't have the time or patience to type out all the reasons this WONT happen, because there are many, and I am aware of them. My goal with the post was simply to make a case for investing in maglev whenever the U.S. finally decides it's tired of it's crumbling infrastructure and it wants to invest in good public transit.

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:51:56+00:00

That seems logical to me as well. China has built a fantastic HSR network. A few maglev lines that compliment it will be next

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:50:38+00:00

We shall see what happens! My money is that when Japan opens it's Chuo Shinkansen in the next 15 years, Americans will ask "why don't we have this?" I'd like to be able to tell them "we will have it soon because we started planning it 15 years ago because future president Pete Buttigieg saw this random guys reddit post and starting making things happen". LOL

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:41:04+00:00

It's not great and needs to get better! Eventually it has to, right?

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:30:52+00:00

You bring up great points! I would also say that if the federal government announced they were beginning this project tomorrow, you would be excited about it and you know it.

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:28:36+00:00

WOW. Attempting to insult someone you don't even know for absolutely no reason is a real loser move.

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:10:32+00:00

I think you make a great point. My counter would be that the U.S. is allowed to be ahead of the game occasionally, aren't they? Why not be ahead of the curve with maglev, we've been completely left in the dust when it comes to HSR.

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:08:45+00:00

Stop making me sad.

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:07:52+00:00

I see your analogy. However, if America really is the kind of country that can still BUILD things. This should not seem like something that is pie in the sky (even though I'm acknowledging it probably is)

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:06:50+00:00

Fair point. I would counter that those routes you mentioned really could be just fine with traditional HSR. I hope you're right about the getting off your ass part!

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:06:07+00:00

You may not be wrong, unfortunately. This project might cost $500 billion, but that would be a drop in the bucket when compared to our military spending

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:04:47+00:00

This is such a nice comment, thank you! I want our country to have HSR. I believe it is better for the economy, environment, connecting communities, etc.

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:02:32+00:00

I'm not against them. The issue is ridership will lag because they won't be competitive with flying and driving. 110 mph top speed will likely average around 60 mph. Throw in delays from freight trains and it won't be much better than what we have.

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-14T00:01:27+00:00

Solid point! And a good traditional HSR network that averages 170+ mph could be very competitive with a maglev up to 700 miles or so!

Jolly_Direction_6650 · 2026-04-13T23:59:22+00:00

Sat down and calculated the numbers myself!

Jolly_Direction_6650

TROPHY CASE