California's Transit Crisis Derails High-Speed Rail Dreams

Falling ridership and rising costs plague the state's rail systems, from high-speed rail to regional commuter lines.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:08pm

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California's high-speed rail project has faced ongoing delays and cost overruns, mirroring a broader transit crisis in the state. Major regional rail systems like BART, Metrolink, and San Diego's COASTER are struggling with falling ridership and fiscal strain, even as they received significant federal pandemic relief funds. Experts say the relief money was often misallocated, and many transit agencies still face an uncertain financial future.

Why it matters

The troubles facing California's rail transit systems reflect a broader shift in commuting and travel patterns, with the pandemic accelerating declines in ridership that were already underway. This crisis threatens the viability of major public transit networks and raises questions about the state's ambitious plans for high-speed rail and transit-oriented development.

The details

California's high-speed rail project, approved by voters in 2008 with a $33 billion price tag, is now infamous for its delays and cost overruns. Meanwhile, the Bay Area's BART system is considering shutting down up to 15 stations and sharply curtailing service due to fiscal challenges. Other regional rail systems like Metrolink, COASTER, and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit Authority are also facing financial uncertainty, despite receiving significant federal pandemic relief funds.

  • In 2020, bus and rail ridership in California fell by 72% and 84% respectively at the height of the pandemic.
  • Three years ago, the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies noted that many of the state's transit systems were struggling operationally and financially.
  • Earlier this month, BART approved an Alternative Service Plan that would shut down up to 25% of its track miles and reduce service by 63%.

The players

BART

San Francisco's 131-mile rapid-transit system, once considered the standard of its type, is now grinding toward a shaky future.

Metrolink

A regional commuter rail system in Southern California that is facing fiscal challenges.

COASTER

The San Diego commuter rail operated by the North County Transit District, which is also struggling financially.

San Diego Metropolitan Transit Authority

Operates 65 miles of rail in the San Diego region and is facing financial uncertainties.

Los Angeles Metro

The public transportation system serving the Los Angeles metropolitan area, which is also in dangerous fiscal waters.

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What’s next

As California's transit agencies continue to grapple with the fallout from the pandemic, policymakers will need to reevaluate funding priorities and service models to ensure the long-term viability of these critical transportation networks.

The takeaway

The crisis facing California's rail transit systems, from high-speed rail to regional commuter lines, highlights the need for a comprehensive rethinking of public transportation in the state. Declining ridership, rising costs, and fiscal strain threaten the future of these systems, raising questions about the state's ambitious plans for transit-oriented development and sustainable mobility.