The new $98 billion price tag and 2033 completion date in the revised HSR Authority's business plan applies to the first phase, meaning that the extensions to San Diego and Sacramento will take even longer, leaving some San Diegan leaders seething.
"It's like saying you're not going to be part of the state, the second-largest county in the state," San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts said.
"If this were a private venture, I would guarantee you the company would say this has gone past the point of making any sense," he said.
Jerome Stocks, chairman of the San Diego Association of Governments and deputy mayor of suburban Encinitas, added: "If you want mass transit that works, you put it where the people are".
At least one Sacramento leader appeared more understanding.
"I would love it to be in phase one, but nonetheless I believe it is still worthwhile, even at this higher cost," Assemblyman Roger Dickenson, D-Sacramento, said.
However, both cities will be connected to the high speed train by existing Amtrak California regional rail. The Pacific Surfliner will provide connections to San Diego from LA's Union Station and Anaheim while the popular Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin trains will link the state capital from the Bay Area and Merced, respectively.
Thanks to Scott Lay
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