Dream on Edward, it's a nice fantasy. But, they won't even get to San Jose, at the current rate they are spending on these first two useless segments, and the public knows it, too.

Because, even without being experts, the public have come to realize that this fiasco seems so half assed and cobbled together, that it might as well have a giant neon sign on 99 next to the current work which reads BOONDOGGLE 30 feet high. Which it indeed is.

Which is why public support has plummeted. Which wouldn't be so bad, if it didn't also undermine the credibility of all other rail programs in CA, and suck up all funding from far more cost effective projects.

Meanwhile, for a fraction of the remainder of what will be wasted in the attempt, CA could have funded all of the $2.5 billion in planned improvements in grade separations, the Union Station run through, added CTC, more sidings, and complete DT, from LA to SD.....on LOSSAN Where the other 60% of California's population lives, pays taxes, and votes. And, where we have the rail corridor with the worst freeway traffic congestion in the United States of America.

By the way, in terms of originating trips by Station on the San Joaquin's, Bakersfield is one of the worst performing stations in the Valley, both directions. So, if it weren't for the through bus connections to and from LA, most of the trains would leave virtually empty.

Don't get me wrong, I support a first world rail passenger system for CA. And, have spent a career working to achieve that goal. I even once supported the HSR bond measure and hoped that with competent management, and a reworked, and "workable" plan, and a project list based on performance, it would help to achieve that goal.

Unfortunately, poor planning, incompetent management, bloated designs, exorbitant costs, for a gold plated boondoggle, to line politically connected contractor's pocke'ss, with oodles of taxpayer boodle, to slop political troughs with campaign contributions, to keep the racket going, is not likely to win any of the awards the Gold Line just did.