The California High-Speed Rail Authority has begun a formal process to attract private investors and developers, with the aim of bringing a private partner consortium on board by summer 2026.
On 19 December, the Authority issued a Request for Qualifications for a Co-Development Agreement (CDA). The procurement is intended to identify a private sector partner to assess opportunities for investment and alternative delivery approaches, as well as options to commercialise certain project assets. These may include station facilities, track access, fibre, power infrastructure and associated real estate.
The move follows a separate procurement launched in November 2025 to appoint a contractor to begin installing electrified high-speed rail track and systems within the next year. Together, the two initiatives form part of a broader effort by the Authority to explore how private capital and expertise could be incorporated alongside existing public funding.
The CDA process is designed to test whether private sector involvement could support earlier delivery of future high-speed rail segments and improve overall project efficiency. Feedback from a Request for Expressions of Interest issued in June 2025 has informed the structure of the current solicitation, particularly in relation to public-private partnership models and potential commercial opportunities linked to the network.
Ian Choudri, Chief Executive Officer of the California High-Speed Rail Authority said:Interest from the private sector in investing in California’s high-speed rail project is strong and continues to grow. Today’s procurement formalises efforts to partner with private investors and developers, with the shared goal of delivering California’s transformational program faster, smarter, and more economically. By leveraging private sector innovation and best practices against strong, stable state funding, we can maximise the value of California’s investment and accelerate delivery of high-speed infrastructure throughout the state.
Construction activity on the project continues in the Central Valley. A 171-mile section between Merced and Bakersfield is currently under design and construction. Nearly 80 miles of guideway have been completed, along with almost 60 major structures, while more than 30 additional structures are under construction across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.
At a statewide level, environmental clearance has been secured for 463 miles of the planned 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system, meaning those sections are considered construction-ready.
The Authority reports that since construction began, around 16,400 jobs have been created, with the majority filled by residents of the Central Valley. On a typical day, up to 1,700 workers are active across high-speed rail construction sites.
Further details on the Co-Development Agreement procurement, including the anticipated timetable, are available on the Authority’s website.
