California High-Speed Rail
Mass transit boon for the Central Valley, or a high-speed boondoggle?
What we're doing
Valley's Most Wanted is seeking firsthand information about potential waste, fraud, financial mismanagement and questionable contracting practices associated with California's high-speed rail project. We have not published findings.
You don't have to prove wrongdoing or have every answer. Sometimes a single document, an overlooked transaction or a firsthand account is where an important investigation begins.
Worked on or around the high-speed rail project?
Employees, contractors, consultants, inspectors and vendors: you don't have to prove wrongdoing. One document or firsthand account can be where it starts.
Share what you know- You get a reference code on screen.
- We won’t email you.
- Your name is optional.
Prefer Telegram? Message @valleysmostwanted. What to know first
On the public record
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September 15, 2026 · Confirmed
The authority's Office of the Inspector General substantiated allegations that the authority paid consultants' travel expenses that broke state travel rules, contract terms or both: $595,600 across four consulting firms, including first-class flights, rideshare upgrades and trips to gyms, an escape room and a nightclub without a documented state-business purpose.
The authority paid more than $2 million in consultant travel in fiscal years 2024–25 and 2025–26. Of the $1.15 million the investigation reviewed, 69 percent had not been approved before the travel.
Source: Investigative report #2026-INV-08, Office of the Inspector General, High-Speed Rail
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October 9, 2026 · Reported
The authority's board voted 7–2 to remove the chief executive's sole authority to sign and manage contracts under $25 million.
Source: CalMatters, October 9, 2026
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October 28, 2026 · Reported
Chief executive Ian Choudri resigned, effective immediately, citing “important personal and family priorities.” Authority staff reported that the consulting firms have repaid nearly $1.3 million. The authority's latest business plan puts the project's cost at $126 billion to $231 billion, depending on scope.
Source: CalMatters, October 29, 2026
Listing a public record is not an accusation against anyone it names.
Who we want to hear from
Current or former employees, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, auditors, inspectors and vendors. Have you seen:
- Money being wasted, or bills that seemed too high
- Contracts that didn't seem right
- Payments for work that was never finished
- Problems with construction
- Employees raising concerns that nobody listened to
Perhaps you raised concerns. Perhaps you have documents. Perhaps you witnessed something that never seemed right. Describe what you have, and keep the originals.
The Central Valley deserves answers
California's high-speed rail project has brought construction jobs, infrastructure investment and promises of a transformed transportation system. It has also brought escalating costs, delays and serious questions about financial oversight.
Whether high-speed rail ultimately fulfills its promises or becomes an extraordinarily expensive lesson, taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability. We're following the facts, examining credible evidence, and asking people with firsthand knowledge to help bring important information into the open.
If you work on the project
Use your own phone or computer, not a work device, network or email account. We don't publish the names of people who share information with us unless they agree.
You can also report to the Inspector General
The authority's Office of the Inspector General takes reports of waste, fraud, abuse or mismanagement on its whistleblower hotline, (916) 908-0893.
Office of the Inspector GeneralNo reports have been published yet. The first will appear here, and in the RSS feed, once it is verified.
Someone knows something. Is it you?
If you have documents or firsthand knowledge of possible waste, questionable spending or misuse of taxpayer funds on California High-Speed Rail, we want to hear from you.