Altamont-Dumbarton for an affordable and usable intermediate speed HSR system in our grandchildren's lifetimes, and to salvage the current fiasco in the Valley, would cost about $7 + billion (new DT bridge and new 6.5 mile DT tunnel under Altamont). Which is about $12 billion less than via Pacheco and Gilroy. And, this option could allow both vastly commuter, local, and express "HSR" service to enter the Bay Area with high frequency service levels, in less than ten years.

An alternative that costs less and meets clear transportation deficiencies and needs would, of course, cost billions in profits to a few contractors, if we were to scrap a looming decision to go via the most expensive route we could possibly find. So, given the record of self serving HSR gold plating, thus far, it is certainly a bit of a "long shot"...….

But, just maybe, some of these folks who are making this State all of it's money, and want better access, for their business needs and employees, sometime in their lifetimes, might be able to put some pressure on to do it.

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