Posted: Tuesday, 15 December 2009 2:05PM
High Speed Rail Costs Increase
Nothing is official, but the latest cost projection is that the trip will cost $105, not the $55 projected just a year ago.
But California High Speed Rail Authority Deputy Director Jeff Barker said that the business plan is not set in stone.
KCBS’ George Harris Reports
"What we did is provide a scenario in which ticket prices for the high speed train would be 83 percent of the average airfare," said Barker.
Barker said the figures are preliminary, but that the high speed rail is on track and viable with no government subsidy necessary.
"Comparatively, this train will be more affordable than airfare cost, so when we finally operate the system, by 2020, we hope to have the entire system open from Los Angeles to San Francisco," Barker said.
Annual ridership is projected at 41 million passengers by 2035, down from an estimated 55 million by 2030.
Construction is slated to begin in 2012 with service beginning by 2017.
But California High Speed Rail Authority Deputy Director Jeff Barker said that the business plan is not set in stone.
KCBS’ George Harris Reports
"What we did is provide a scenario in which ticket prices for the high speed train would be 83 percent of the average airfare," said Barker.
Barker said the figures are preliminary, but that the high speed rail is on track and viable with no government subsidy necessary.
"Comparatively, this train will be more affordable than airfare cost, so when we finally operate the system, by 2020, we hope to have the entire system open from Los Angeles to San Francisco," Barker said.
Annual ridership is projected at 41 million passengers by 2035, down from an estimated 55 million by 2030.
Construction is slated to begin in 2012 with service beginning by 2017.
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