The California High-Speed Rail Authority has launched a new effort aimed at accelerating construction and expanding funding for the state’s ambitious high-speed rail system by formally inviting private-sector participation.
On December 23, the Authority issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Co-Development Agreement, a move designed to attract private investment partners and developers by summer 2026. The initiative seeks to bring additional capital, expertise, and commercial innovation to what officials describe as “the nation’s first true high-speed rail” network.
According to the Authority, the RFQ is intended to help deliver the project more efficiently by leveraging public-private partnerships. A selected private partner would help identify opportunities to invest in the rail system and commercialize assets tied to the project, including station facilities, track access, fiber infrastructure, power systems, and real estate development.
The announcement follows a June 2025 Request for Expression of Interest, which the Authority said generated feedback showing how private-sector participation could help move the project forward. The latest solicitation also builds on recent industry outreach, including a call for bids last month to install electrified track and related systems.
Currently, 171 miles of the high-speed rail system — stretching from Merced to Bakersfield — are either under design or already under construction. Officials say nearly 80 miles of guideway and 60 major structures have been completed, with more than 30 additional structures underway across Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties.
Statewide progress has also continued on environmental approvals. The Authority reports that 463 miles of the planned 494-mile route between San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim have now received full environmental clearance and are ready for construction.
Beyond infrastructure milestones, the project has also delivered significant workforce impacts. Since construction began, nearly 16,400 jobs have been created, with most positions filled by Central Valley residents. On average, about 1,700 workers are active on construction sites each day.
Authority CEO Ian Choudri said in a news release: "Interest from the private sector in investing in California’s high-speed rail project is strong and continues to grow. Today’s procurement formalizes efforts to partner with private investors and developers, with the shared goal of delivering California’s transformational program faster, smarter, and more economically."
Choudri added: "By leveraging private sector innovation and best practices against strong, stable state funding, we can maximize the value of California’s investment and accelerate delivery of high-speed infrastructure throughout the state."
Officials say the new process is a critical step toward advancing construction timelines while broadening funding sources for one of the largest infrastructure projects in the United States. The Authority expects to select private partners by summer 2026 as it works to transition from heavy construction in the Central Valley toward expanding the system statewide.
Originally reported by News Week.
