What Holds High-Speed Rail Back: Lessons From Global Systems and California’s Experience [Research Brief]

Sharma, Deepak K.; Lekhi, Rajnish; Parr, Scott A.

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What Holds High-Speed Rail Back: Lessons From Global Systems and California’s Experience [Research Brief]

2026-03-01
By Sharma, Deepak K. ; Lekhi, Rajnish ; Parr, Scott A.

File Language:

English

Details

Creators:

Sharma, Deepak K. ; Lekhi, Rajnish ; Parr, Scott A.
Corporate Creators:

San Jose State University. College of Business. Mineta Transportation Institute ; California State University, Fullerton
Corporate Contributors:

State of California SB1 2017/2018, Trustees of the California State University Sponsored Programs Administration ; United States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program ; United States. Department of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
Subject/TRT Terms:

Bridges Costs Financing High Speed Rail Highways Interviewing Land Legislation Lessons Learned Passenger Trains Property Acquisition Railroad Transportation
Publication/ Report Number:

2470
Resource Type:

Brief
Geographical Coverage:

United States ; California ; Japan
Edition:

Research Brief
Corporate Publisher:

San Jose State University. College of Business. Mineta Transportation Institute
Abstract:

California High-Speed Rail (CHSR) has been under development for more than a decade, yet progress has been slowed by delays, cost escalation, and unstable funding. This research examined the main barriers to timely and cost-effective delivery of CHSR and identified lessons that can guide future high-speed rail (HSR) projects in California. The study asked: Why has CHSR struggled to advance as planned, and what changes are needed to improve outcomes? To answer this, we compared CHSR with international HSR projects, studied Japan’s land readjustment approach, reviewed U.S. rail integration practices, analyzed California’s transportation legislation, and examined oversight reports and expert interviews. The results show that CHSR’s biggest barriers are structural, not technical. Stable funding, stronger governance, and legal reforms are needed to keep projects on schedule and advance mobility in the Golden State.
Format:

PDF
Collection(s):

University Transportation Centers
Main Document Checksum:

urn:sha-512:af8a5a11678c836984d3d26f08475a5708657fcafc1f65dd3e00e4bae1044c2c198fede2f0a9a5045ae60530a76ff106dccc3678f720a0012c4ba738581506b2
Download URL:

https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/89722/dot_89722_DS1.pdf
File Type:

[PDF - 810.91 KB ]

File Language:

English

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