On 22nd August 2025, the California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) published a supplementary project progress report with a detailed timetable for connecting the high-speed rail (HSR) line via the Central Valley to Northern and Southern California by 2039. The report describes three operating scenarios: completion of the 275 km section between Merced and Bakersfield, extension to Gilroy with connection to the Caltrain regional passenger rail transport network, as well as an extension to Palmdale with connection to the Metrolink light rail transit (LRT) network and the High Desert Corridor. The CHSRA is increasingly relying on public-private partnerships (PPP) for implementation. The report outlines opportunities for the state to contribute to the project and attract private sector interest through long-term, dedicated funding. The report is CHSRA's response to the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) announcement that it will cut EUR 3.45 billion (USD 4 billion) in federal funding. To date, 112 km of HSR line have been completed, 55 structures have been finished and 29 more are under construction.
