Californians for Electric Rail
@calelectricrail.org
Bringing together transit riders, environmentalists, and union members for fast, clean, safe catenary electric regional, intercity, and freight rail in California. #CatenaryNow #ElectrifyMetrolink
This whole thread is a must read
Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail.org · 15h agoYou often hear that if only CAHSR had let the French take over, it would be built by now. They're on the team now, but what did SNCF actually say back in 2010? We did a deep dive into the French HSR operator's original proposal to set the record straight. 🧵 calelectricrail.org/the-true-sto...
2/3 of cargo at the ports is carried by diesel trucks. If we electrified freight rail from the ports to Barstow, we could replace a lot of trucks with electric trains - no expensive diesel needed!
Josh Lappen@jlappen1.bsky.social · 10h agoWe've intentionally designed our economy to be fuel-intensive, because bulk fuel has been cheap. But when fuel gets expensive, almost no one questions what could change. We could alter our priorities! www.latimes.com/california/s...
Metrolink finally has a budget for 2026-2027... but only for Arrow. The full agency operating budget is still AWOL, more than a month after promised and about 6 months late - because member agencies can't agree on anything. granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/metrolink/85...
The next frontier in getting big things done are government reforms that depoliticize and rationalize funding, and strip the ability of every stakeholder to maximize rent from government projects. Great thread.
Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail.org · 14h agoSNCF has extensive experience with high-speed rail, but not with the American political system. As such, digging into their actual proposal (linked), many of their assumptions about project delivery are naive and would likely hit similar roadblocks to CAHSR. calelectricrail.org/wp-content/u...
I just want to point out the COST-SAVINGS FROM USING IN-HOUSE STAFF
Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail.org · 14h agoMistakes were made, but since 2010, CAHSR has made a lot of progress. Environmental review is nearly done. It has consistent annual funding. CAHSR has brought on cost-saving in-house staff - who cut $14B in design costs created by consultants. So why do critics focus on out of date information?
Great thread about the uniquely American reasons CAHSR has been so expensive and slow
Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail.org · 15h agoYou often hear that if only CAHSR had let the French take over, it would be built by now. They're on the team now, but what did SNCF actually say back in 2010? We did a deep dive into the French HSR operator's original proposal to set the record straight. 🧵 calelectricrail.org/the-true-sto...
The SNCF or any "just hire the Cinese/Spaniards, etc." are the Foreign Popes trope of project delivery. It's doesn't work. California, Canada, etc. will have to work through the problems themselves. They can learn from SNCF and the likes, but they can't have them solve their problems for them.
Great thread. SNCF assumed the US was a functioning country.
Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail.org · 15h agoYou often hear that if only CAHSR had let the French take over, it would be built by now. They're on the team now, but what did SNCF actually say back in 2010? We did a deep dive into the French HSR operator's original proposal to set the record straight. 🧵 calelectricrail.org/the-true-sto...
You often hear that if only CAHSR had let the French take over, it would be built by now. They're on the team now, but what did SNCF actually say back in 2010? We did a deep dive into the French HSR operator's original proposal to set the record straight. 🧵 calelectricrail.org/the-true-sto...
The budget trailer bill and Cap-and-Invest bill passed on Monday is a mixed bag for our priorities. On the one hand, the deal preserves an annual guarantee for High-Speed Rail, ensuring construction can continue and private investment can advance - keeping momentum for beyond the Central Valley.
"Senate Bill 1425 addresses...what happens when someone needs to build, repair or operate infrastructure on property owned by the California High-Speed Rail Authority." cal.streetsblog.org/2026/09/02/l...
Legislature Sends High-Speed Rail Right-of-Way Bill to Newsom - Streetsblog California
SB 1425 would give the High-Speed Rail Authority new authority over construction and other activity on property it owns.
cal.streetsblog.org
Another day, another city greenlighting real estate deals that conflict with the settled alignment of CA High-Speed Rail. We should really give CAHSR the money and the power to buy land well ahead of construction to avoid problems down the line. voiceofoc.org/2026/09/muse...
Museum vs Bullet Train: Anaheim Swaps Land With OC Vibe Eyed by High Speed Rail Officials
Anaheim officials are swapping land with OC Vibe to build a museum. State officials say it will interfere with their plans for a bullet train.
voiceofoc.org
Very much looking forward to the "What’s the Deal with California’s High-Speed Rail? A re-introduction to America's largest infrastructure project" #transitmonth2026 event! actionnetwork.org/events/whats...
What’s the Deal with California’s High-Speed Rail? A re-introduction to America's largest infrastructure project
California is home to 1 in 10 Americans. Two thirds of those Californians live along a single 600-mile stretch from the Bay Area through the Central Valley to Los Angeles and San Diego. It's no secret...
actionnetwork.org
It's #TransitMonth! We're hosting or endorsing several events around the state this month, come through and get involved! 🧵https://www.ca.transitmonth.org/
We are excited to be sharing the Bay Area Transit Month 2026 event map! With over 60 events and counting, there is truly something for everyone this September. Learn more here: www.ca.transitmonth.org/bay-area
Gavin Newsom has a national reputation as a Climate Champion. But his record on funding alternatives to driving tells a different story, culminating in leaving major cuts on the table for his successor. cal.streetsblog.org/2026/08/31/s...
Shocked by Newsom's Cuts to Transit? Don't Be. - Streetsblog California
When the going got tough, Newsom looked to cut transportation money that would have reduced car dependency for the last half-decade.
cal.streetsblog.org
High speed rail service to smaller cities is international best practice and a great way to boost ridership. Nothing about stops in Bakersfield and Madera prevents CAHSR from running express trains from SF to LA.
Infrastory@infrastory.bsky.social · 4d agoEndless arguments ensue about how many stops high speed trains should have but this is the wrong question; the right question is what the different service patterns look like. You can always have an Express. Read the latest Infrastory: infrastory.substack.com/p/the-myth-o...
Endless arguments ensue about how many stops high speed trains should have but this is the wrong question; the right question is what the different service patterns look like. You can always have an Express. Read the latest Infrastory: infrastory.substack.com/p/the-myth-o...
The Myth of Non-Stop High-Speed Rail
High speed doesn’t have to mean non-stop.
infrastory.substack.com
Hallcon rail crew drivers represented by UE Locals 155, 977, 1077, 1177, and 1477 have organized bannering actions in several different states to pressure their employer for a fair contract.
Next month is #TransitMonth! Join us for a Rail Beach Day in Oceanside on September 19th to hit the beach and learn about the threats and opportunities facing Metrolink, Surfliner, Coaster, and Sprinter - and how you can get involved! www.socaltransitmonth.org/rail_beach_day
Rail crew drivers keep the freight system moving, but make near-minimum wage while breathing rail yards' dirty air. Their contract expires Monday 8/31, so come out to Long Beach to support their fight for a fair contract and wages that keep up with inflation! RSVP here: forms.gle/nEEWKNfE9dnv...
Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail.org · 2w agoCommunity members at BNSF San Bernardino Yard in support of rail crew drivers (UE 1077) who are bargaining for a new contract. These workers keep our freight system moving in dangerous, polluted conditions, but Halcon is offering them below-inflation raises.
Light Rail is not a silver bullet for avoiding high transit costs. Our Valtrain proposal would bring regional rail service to West Sacramento using existing infrastructure at a reasonable cost. CA also needs reforms to capital funding and state capacity. www.onsiteobserver.com/west-sacrame...
West Sacramento pauses work on long-planned riverfront streetcar project
West Sacramento has suspended additional work and spending on the long-planned Downtown Riverfront Streetcar project
onsiteobserver.com
As part of Bay Area #TransitMonth, we're hosting a Transit Costs Reform Happy Hour at the Transbay Terminal in San Francisco. Learn why electric rail and other infrastructure costs so much, and meet others who want to make a difference. Stay tuned for our SoCal sibling event! luma.com/f4cpkuv0
Transit Costs Reform Happy Hour · Luma
Do you want cost effective transit service improvements? Want to learn how to bring down the costs of new subways, rail electrification and transit…
luma.com
Don't miss out on the fun, LA! Join our Transit Costs Reform Happy Hour at Everywhere Brewery in Union Station on September 25th. Learn what we can do to make sure Electrolink, the Sepulveda subway, and more get built on time and on budget. #TransitMonth luma.com/j5v0duha
Transit Costs Reform Happy Hour - LA · Luma
Do you want faster, cost effective transit service improvements? Want to learn how to bring down the costs of new subways, rail electrification and transit…
luma.com
Californians for Electric Rail@calelectricrail.org · 3w agoAs part of Bay Area #TransitMonth, we're hosting a Transit Costs Reform Happy Hour at the Transbay Terminal in San Francisco. Learn why electric rail and other infrastructure costs so much, and meet others who want to make a difference. Stay tuned for our SoCal sibling event! luma.com/f4cpkuv0
Santa Clarita Mayor Pro Tem Patsy Ayala has been elected by her subregion to serve on the Metro board - pending one more full-county City Selection Commitee approval
Joe Linton@lintonjoe.bsky.social · last wk.Listening in on the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee North County San Fernando Valley Sector meeting - which is expected to elect a representative to the Metro board. Find agenda and remote access instructions at cityselection.lacounty.gov
expect the new board member to be santa clarita's Patsy Ayala, who is thankfully a huge upgrade over Jason Gibbs. Ayala is in particular a fan of Metrolink, and reportedly of AV Line electrification, so it'll be nice to have someone on the board who gives a shit about ML (or even knows it exists)
Joe Linton@lintonjoe.bsky.social · last wk.Today, Wednesday Aug 26, at 11:30 cities of the Valley and North County will elect their Metro rep - via the little known City Selection Committee. Meeting agenda posted here: assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com/0234f496-d2b...
California High-Speed Rail is middle of the road in terms of costs internationally. High-speed rail isn't cheap, but it's worth it for the lower carbon emissions and pleasant, convenient connections. CA needs to stay the course and maintain its $1B/year commitment to fund HSR.
Jack Tindale@jacktindale.bsky.social · 2w agoCan't wait to have a decades long inquiry into why this happened, at a cost of £200m, that produces a massive report that no one reads with recommendations that are never implemented.
12 month delay to LinkUS due to construction permit issues - in this case between LA Metro and the Housing Authority of the City of LA. With inflation high, this $60M grant will be worth a lot less next year - increasing the budget. 3rd party permitting reform now! catc.ca.gov/-/media/ctc-...
This post erroneously blames LAHSA for delaying LinkUS - it was actually HACLA, a different housing authority run by the city of LA, so we have deleted to avoid sharing misinformation. Regardless, Mayor Bass needs to prioritize delivering LinkUS and work to resolve this conflict.
Will the legislature step in to give CA High-Speed Rail the enhanced eminent domain authority they've been asking for? Or will they allow sprawl developers in the small town of Shafter to extract costly concessions and hold up CA's signature infrastructure project?
Cyrus Hall@cyrushall.bsky.social · 2w agoEminent domain. Use it. www.fresnobee.com/news/local/h...