SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- While many prospective high-
speed train riders are eager to Fly California Without Leaving the Ground,
the California High-Speed Rail Authority has developed a virtual tour that
offers a sneak peak of what to expect once the first train leaves the
station. The new website - complete with virtual trips, travel times, and
estimated ticket prices - was launched last week and will be highlighted
during the Authority's Board meeting on Wednesday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m. at
the Anaheim City Council Chambers.
Visitors can now log on to http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov, to explore route
options, see train and station visualizations, compare travel costs and
calculate CO2 emissions savings from high-speed train usage to help reduce
global warming.
"We are excited to offer this comprehensive look at the proposed high-
speed train system," said Judge Quentin L. Kopp, Chair of the California
High- Speed Rail Authority Board. "We believe this new tool will provide an
ideal opportunity for California residents to experience our state's unique
landscape via high-speed rail."
The website also includes downloadable maps, broadcast quality video
and the technical environmental impact reports that will clear the way for
construction of the high-speed train.
Established in 1996, the California High-Speed Rail Authority is
responsible for planning, constructing and operating a high-speed train
system in California. The agency operates with a small core staff, with all
environmental, planning and engineering work performed by private firms
under contract with the Authority.
With the certification of the Statewide Final Program-Level
Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the
Authority has begun implementation of the 800-mile high-speed train system
serving Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Valley, Los
Angeles, the Inland Empire, Orange County and San Diego. High-speed trains
will be capable of maximum speeds of 220 miles per hour with an expected
trip time from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 2 hours and 40 minutes. The
system is forecast to potentially carry over 100 million passengers per
year by 2030.
A $9.95 billion dollar bond measure is on the November 2008 ballot with
$9 billion for implementing the high-speed train system and $950 million
for improvements to other rail services that connect to the high-speed
train service. This bond measure requires a simple majority vote for
approval.
SOURCE California High-Speed Rail Authority
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Related links:
http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov
CONTACT:
Kris Deutschman, +1-916-444-8801
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