> And the state can afford HSR?

No, it can't as the project is currently organized, at least out of resources already identified. However, the state *does* need its own railroad for passenger service (alias long-distance public transit), and possibly some short-distance (<500 miles) express freight. Neither UP nor BNSF really are happy with running Amtrak trains, and mixing in with freight traffic automatically results in slower schedules than are feasible with existing equipment (all of which can handle at least 90, perhaps 110 mph) let alone newer, better stuff. If HSR weren't being so overbuilt (because of the way The Proposition was written, which had little to do with real transportation studies), it might be attractive for the RRs to throw a few bucks its way to help get Amtrak, and passengers in general, off of their more congested tracks.

And remember, the route through Fresno that's now under construction is similar to the concept the City had 20+ years ago for getting BNSF out of the middle of town. Even if a true HSR line never uses it, I see it having signifcant "salvage" value for that purpose.

Of course, "peeing" on the UP without having an alternative already well-advanced isn't very smart ...