HSR in Orange County

[wrcousert]

OCTA says it will build an HSR line linking Anaheim to L.A. Union Station even if the HSR measure fails.

Can Measure M2 pay for this line? If so, when could we expect to see it built?

[spokker]

Well, OCTA has information about their interaction with high speed rail here.

The CAHSRA and OCTA have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that provides $7 million in Measure M1 funds towards this effort.

OCTA has recently purchased 13.5 acres in the City of Anaheim next to the railroad right-of-way. This site is planned for future transportation use as the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC). Preliminary planning is currently underway for this site.

I had no idea they wanted to build their own.

[whitmanlam]

I thought Prop. 1A only pays for the starter line from SF to LA only. Doesn't say anything specifically about extensions to San Diego or OC.
I don't think Measure M2 would put enough money into it. We're looking at hundreds of millions for an extension.

[kenalpern]

Part of the problem is whether we route this down the LOSSAN corridor (which might have environmental problems by the bluffs in south Orange County) or via Riverside County to connect Union Station with San Diego. The planning will likely start in the next 1-2 years, although the backroom discussions are probably going on right now.

[Justin Walker]

Prop 1A provides money for Phase I of the HSR project, which is Anaheim-LA-SF.

Sylmar-LA-Anaheim as well as the Gilroy-SF Caltrain line will see improvements first, with electrification, grade separation, etc. long before the new segments of the system are in place.