The California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) released a draft 2018 business plan on March 13 stating that costs for completing Phase 1 of the system (San Francisco to Anaheim ) could come in as high as $98 billion, that completion will come in 2033, and that the authority will probably need additional funding in order to complete the initial operating segment of the system.

To save money, the authority may defer construction of the tunnels needed to connect the two segments. It also is considering replacing a 30-mile section of dedicated track near San Jose with 110-mph trains running on Union Pacific right-of-way, including grade crossings.