The California High-Speed Rail Authority's Board of Directors is moving closer to realizing future rail service, with two significant project milestones addressed during its recent two-day board meeting. The board was scheduled to consider a major contract for the purchase of high-speed trainsets and is slated to vote on approving environmental documents for a future extension connecting Los Angeles to Anaheim.
On Wednesday, the Board of Directors was scheduled to consider awarding a contract to Siemens Mobility for new high-speed trainsets. This proposed agreement includes a $772.1 million base contract with options to purchase more than 19 additional trainsets and long-term maintenance services. Under the terms, Siemens Mobility would build three Pioneer 220 high-speed trainsets for the state’s Merced-to-Bakersfield route. The contract scope encompasses 30 years of train maintenance, a driving simulator, and support for train certification. The Authority expects the first high-speed trains to arrive in late 2029, with testing planned to begin in spring 2030. This schedule is intended to support passenger service on the initial operating section between Merced and Bakersfield in 2033–34. The Authority notes that securing this contract would transform an "important outstanding need into a defined commitment" for the project.
Regarding the Anaheim extension, the Authority has released the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 30-mile segment connecting Los Angeles Union Station and the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC). This document, released on October 16, includes responses to public comments received on the earlier draft environmental review. The board is scheduled to vote on approving these environmental documents for the Los Angeles-to-Anaheim extension. The EIR certification is listed as a specific item on a future board agenda for October 29, 2026.
The Authority's recommended alternative for this segment proposes that high-speed trains share tracks with existing Amtrak and Metrolink services along the current Los Angeles-to-San Diego rail corridor. The plan also incorporates a maintenance and storage facility to be located at 26th Street in Vernon. However, the Authority has not set a hard timeline for the construction of this Southern California segment. The immediate and mid-term goals for the Authority remain focused on establishing the Central Valley "spine" of the project and subsequently providing connections to the Bay Area. Further work on construction in Southern California is considered a longer-term prospect.
The Authority’s October 28-29 meeting included opportunities for public comment regarding the environmental review and other related decisions. Interested residents were advised to consult the board meeting agenda and participation instructions for details on how to speak in person or remotely.
