The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has released significantly revised plans for its route, which was formerly to connect San Francisco to Los Angeles at some unspecified time in the future.

The new plan calls for service by the late 2030s between San Francisco and either Bakersfield or Palmdale. Railfans (who else would ride?) could complete the last 53 miles between Palmdale and Los Angeles by transferring to a Metrolink commuter train that takes two hours, at an average speed of around 30 miles per hour. The time between such trains could be as much as three hours.

When no-transfer service is finally available, rail officials say that ticket revenue will be more than double the present Amtrak Acela service, despite the California market being much smaller. And a profit is projected. Right!

As we reported last week, Congressman James Comer (R-KY), Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, announced an investigation into federal funding provided to the California High-Speed Rail Authority. It’s hard to imagine better timing.