Just say no to boondogles.
I can fly from Boston to DC for less than our somewhat high speed rail and get there much faster. I have read similar estimates for California's proposed system. As for cost, look at our Big Dig, it started out at $2 Billion, went to $15 Billion a couple of years ago, and now they are saying it will really be $24 Billion. These projects never come in under budget or on time. Good luck California.