The much anticipated California high speed rail project has reached a significant milestone in the ambitious program. On October 27, 2023 the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) reveled a handful of renderings for initial designs for the high speed bullet trains and rail stations. The initial designs will undergo revisions prior to the estimated 2030 launch of high speed rail service between Merced and Bakersfield California. The project aims to bring high speed rail to the west coast United States which currently is only available on the Amtrak Acela and Brightline.
Heavy Community Design Input
The CHSRA is relying heavily on input from the general public for the design mockups of the trains and stations. The Deutsche Bahn most famously known for operating Germany’s high speed rail has began the process of assembling full scale mockups for California’s high speed trains. Throughout the process, refinements will be made following extensive public feedback from the ADA community along with feedback from community based focus groups. Currently the first preliminary wooden mock ups have began evaluations in Sacramento. Mock-ups are being augmented with Virtual reality experiences for evaluators. Full scale renderings are expected to be revealed to the general public beginning 2024.
