A San Jose Detour for California High-Speed Rail

The California High-Speed Rail Authority says that it will shift gears by building the first section of the new bullet train from the Central Valley to San Jose rather than from Fresno to Burbank, as initially planned. The Authority says the change will speed construction and save money but rail supporters in Southern California, eager for the train to ease traffic, are upset that their region is neglected in the new plan. Ever since voters in 2008 approved nearly $10 billion in bonds for a high speed train linking the northern and southern parts of the state, the project has faced political opposition, mounting cost estimates, and is facing a construction delay of two years. We’ll get an update on the project and hear from critics.

• More: California High Speed Rail Authority’s Draft 2016 Business Plan