[william]

I have heard increasing sentiment that, because of the huge cost, that the LA-SF/OAK route will be built first with the extensions to San Diego and Sacramento to come at a later date. If this is the ultimate proposal, I know I'll be voting - and working - for the defeat of HSR in California.

I believe in the concept, but I know precisely what will happen with this phased approach. The LA/SF segment gets built, and then the rail authority determines the extensions are "too expensive" and that the present system serves the majority of the state's population and we can connect Sacramento and San Diego with existing, less-exotic technology.

Build all of it - or none of it - but I don't want to hear about any "phased" approach. In this case, "second phase" actually means "never phase."