TALC does not currently have a formal position on the California High-Speed Rail project. A few years ago, the Coalition discussed the project and determined that it was not ready to take a position. Now, we are embarking on an important Coalition process to determine TALC's position on the High-Speed Rail bond measure. (Learn more about the Coalition process.) Over the next few months, our Coalition member groups will be participating in a process to help determine if TALC will be supporting the November bond measure. We anticipate that the TALC Board will approve a position in June or July of 2008.

• California High-Speed Rail Authority
• Summary of key issues on the Draft Central Valley to Bay Area Program EIR/EIS
• Information sheet on greenhouse gas reduction potential of the train system
• Information sheet on high-speed train and land use.
• Association for California High-Speed Trains
• CalPIRG’s Campaign for California High-Speed Trains

At TALC's May 2003 Regional Meeting, Rod Diridon, Chair of the California High Speed Rail Authority, gave a presentation about the latest on the High Speed Rail Authority proposal, including alignments, costs, ridership estimates, and pending legislation.  High Speed Rail would connect the Bay Area with the San Juaquin Valley and Southern California. 

TALC members voted to conditionally endorse the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) Plan, and specifically SB 1856 (Costa), subject to the following conditions:

·     Put all train stations in existing downtowns

·     Use existing train track rights of way wherever possible

·     Do not run train tracks through protected parks, wilderness, sensitive habitat, or natural areas, unless there is an acceptable mitigation plan

·     Use the most direct routes that do not conflict with the other principles

·     HSRA shall not draw on existing sources of transit capital or operating funds

Update: 5/1/07