Passengers Reject California's High-Speed Rail Project

Locals say the $135 billion plan has already caused too much damage to their communities.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Passengers riding Amtrak through Bakersfield, California are strongly opposed to the state's long-delayed high-speed rail project, saying the multibillion-dollar plan has already done more harm than good. Residents like Steve Laird, Christi Brannon, and Gino Valpredo criticized the project's excessive costs, land seizures, and lack of tangible benefits for their community.

Why it matters

The high-speed rail project has faced growing backlash from Californians who would be directly impacted by the rail line, raising questions about the viability and public support for the ambitious infrastructure plan.

The details

The California high-speed rail project, estimated to cost $135 billion, has already resulted in the seizure of around 4,000 acres of farmland belonging to Laird's family that had been in their possession for generations. Residents say the project has caused significant disruption to their communities with little to show for the massive investment.

  • The high-speed rail project has been in development for years, with construction starting in 2015.

The players

Steve Laird

A lifelong Bakersfield resident who recently moved to San Marcos, Laird criticized the high-speed rail project as unnecessary and deeply flawed, especially the way it has taken valuable farmland from his family.

Christi Brannon

A 50-year resident of Bakersfield, Brannon blasted the high-speed rail project as a "joke" that has cost too much money without any tangible results to show for it.

Gino Valpredo

A longtime Bakersfield resident and business owner of Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen, Valpredo said the state has far bigger problems to address than the high-speed rail project, which he called "absolutely insane" in terms of cost.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who has championed the high-speed rail project despite growing opposition from local residents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The whole premise of the high-speed train is wrong. The way they take the land is wrong. California land is very expensive, so I am against that part.”

— Steve Laird (California Post)

“I think it's a joke. It costs too much money for Californians. Where is it? What is it?”

— Christi Brannon (California Post)

“No one wants to go to Bakersfield or Merced. There's not going to be business travel on it, and it's not going to make the state any money.”

— Gino Valpredo, Business Owner (California Post)

What’s next

The California High-Speed Rail Authority will need to address growing public opposition to the project and find ways to mitigate the impact on local communities if it hopes to move forward with the ambitious plan.

The takeaway

The high-speed rail project has become a lightning rod for criticism from Californians who feel the massive investment is misguided and has already caused significant disruption to their lives and communities with little to show for it so far.