Readers React: It’s time for California to put the bullet-train project out of its misery

To the editor: So, let’s review: The California bullet train, approved by voters 10 years ago, is by the latest estimates 11 years behind schedule and the projected cost has more than doubled in 10 years to $77 billion.

The current builder has already been paid $50 million for a delay claim against the state and says it has another delay claim for $200 million. I am pretty sure these will not be the last of them.

In June it complained to the state about delays caused by Union Pacific, the owner of the right of way in the Central Valley. The state authority has yet to even meet with Union Pacific to resolve any issues.

This amateurish operation promises more delays and costs for a project that is opposed by farmers in the Central Valley and towns along the route because it will divide them and make each side less accessible.

A merciful death of this boondoggle is called for, be it by decree or referendum.

Peter Putrimas, Simi Valley

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