California high-speed rail chief quits amid billowing expenses scandal
Summary
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri resigned Wednesday, more than a month after a state watchdog reported that the agency had paid $543,000 in disallowed travel reimbursements for consultants. The rail project has faced rising costs and funding problems, and California Finance Department director Joe Stephenshaw will serve as interim CEO.Key Facts
- Choudri became CEO of the rail authority in 2024.
- Choudri cited personal and family priorities in his resignation email.
- A September inspector general report found $543,000 in consultant travel reimbursements were not allowed.
- The report identified $81,000 in expenses for trips to places including gyms, an escape room and a nightclub that lacked an official purpose.
- The project aims to build a high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Francisco, about 380 miles apart.
- Eighteen years after voters approved a bond project, no tracks have been laid, and the estimated cost has risen above $100 billion.
- The Trump administration withdrew $4 billion in funding last year.
- Joe Stephenshaw, director of California’s Department of Finance, will serve as interim CEO.
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