We’re pleased to announce that Elizabeth Alexis of CARRD has been asked to testify at the hearing in D.C. next week. The committee staff has produced a Briefing Memo that gives an excellent history of the project and has some relevant updated numbers. For those new to the project, this is a MUST READ! The […]
Archive | 2011
How conservative are the ridership forecasts?
The ridership model is arguably one of the most important components of the recent business plan presented by the California High Speed Rail Authority. So, how conservative are the ridership forecasts? Here is a short report looking simply at the price of gas assumed in the model. What did we find? Well, do you think […]
Legal concerns for the Initial Construction Segment and the Funding Plan
CARRD sent a letter to the California High Speed Rail Authority Board and Chairman today outlining our legal concerns on two important issues: the Initial Construction Segment and the Funding Plan. We are wary of intent to build an Initial Construction Segment (ICS) that does not specifically have an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) associated with […]
2011 Business Plan preview and other documents
The California High Speed Rail Authority submitted a number of reports to the California legislature on October 14, 2011. These documents provide some hints as to what will be in their 2011 Business Plan. CARRD’s comments on these documents are here. CHSRA: Revenue guarantees and alternative funding plans CHSRA: Feasibility of “shared track” solution in […]
CHSRA Program Manager Progress Reports Through July 2011 Now Available
Read all the progress reports here. Every month, Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) must submit a lengthy progress report to the California High Speed Rail Authority detailing everything that is going on with the project. The reports cover budgeting issues, discuss what work was done and what issues have arisen. PB is the program manager for the […]
Former Board Member Kopp raises issues with Ogilvy – PR firm
CARRD received a copy of a memo written by former High Speed Rail Authority board member Judge Quentin Kopp to CEO Roelof van Ark detailing his reasons for recommending that the Authority fire Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide. The full memo can be viewed here: Kopp April 1, 2011 – Letter Ogilvy The five year contract […]
Senator Joe Simitian: Train robber?
We are confused by this press release, issued by California State Assemblymember Cathleen Galgiani’s office this afternoon. Senator Simitian showed leadership in his recent announcement by seeking to balance the transportation goals of Prop 1A with community concerns and the fiscal reality of what we estimate is a project that will cost at least $65 […]
San Mateo County Rail Corridor Partnership Meeting
On Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 from 3-5pm there was a meeting between the so called San Mateo County Rail Corridor Partnership and Mr. Van Ark of the California High Speed Rail Authority. NEW** April 25th, 2011 – Here is a copy of the DRAFT Agenda of this meeting which shows attendees This meeting was closed […]
More changes on High Speed Rail board
In December, there were two new appointees to the California High Speed Rail Authority Board to replace Richard Katz and Rod Diridon (read our article) . Spring is bringing with it two additional new appointees. As reported in the press, Quentin Kopp left the board and was replaced by Robert Balgenorth, president of the California […]
Gilroy High Speed Rail Station Comparative Visioning Document
**See Updates below** CARRD has written a letter to various agencies (Santa Clara VTA Board Members, LAFCO Board Members, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors) and the City of Gilroy leaders regarding the Gilroy station alternatives. Our letter on this issue and supporting documents area available here. At the VTA board meeting held on March […]