I'm in accord with all those confused by the connection between Re-DTing Donner and Auburn's capacity for another train. The State of CA was spurned by the UP when the state offered to financially participate in re-tracking Donner. My take on it was that CA was not-too-invisibly trying to set up the capacity for a RENO extension of the Cap corridor. UP apparently wanted no part of that offer and turned them down. I think another similar situation is brewing with respect to Tehachipi. If the HSR is built as planned with a starter core ending at Bakerspatch, there will be a need to connect to Metrolink in the Antelope Valley via the Loop. I have assumed that is the underlying motivation for the current improvements and attempt to DT as much of the line as possible. It should be interesting to see what develops.