NewsCalMattersOctober 29, 2026Los Angeles County
Head of California high-speed rail agency resigns amid travel expenses scandal
Photo: CalMatters
California’s high-speed rail authority CEO Ian Choudri resigned abruptly on Wednesday, citing family priorities amid a travel expense scandal involving nearly $600,000 in questionable taxpayer-funded consultant trips. The resignation coincides with a two-day board meeting where directors were weighing potential disciplinary action, including possible termination.
Read the full story at CalMattersWhy It Matters
The leadership departure comes as the high-speed rail project faces steep cost projections ranging from $126 billion to $231 billion and warnings from the inspector general that the agency could run out of cash by December 2027.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
PersonMicah Flores“Discussed whether Choudri qualified for a potential $25,000 performance bonus.”OrganizationCalMatters“Obtained a copy of the emailed resignation and filed public records requests.”locationMerced“Part of the 171-mile leg currently under construction to Bakersfield.”PersonTom Richards“Praised Choudri's transportation engineering background upon his hiring in Augus”OrganizationNossaman“Provided travel records in response to a public records request.”OrganizationSiemens Mobility, Inc.“Approved by the board to design, build, and test three seven-car high-speed bull”locationSan Francisco“Connected to Los Angeles in the original 2008 bond measure design.”PersonPresident Donald Trump“Led the administration that rescinded federal rail funds after missed deadlines.”locationFolsom“Where Choudri maintains a home and where consultants frequently traveled.”PersonAnnie Parker“Disclosed Choudri's annual compensation of more than $534,000.”OrganizationCommunity Alliance for a Sustainable Economy“Filed a lawsuit challenging the proposed relocation of the downtown Merced stati”PersonMark Tollefson“Touted Choudri's achievements during a Wednesday board presentation.”PersonIan Choudri“Resigned amid a travel expenses scandal and ongoing scrutiny over project delays”PersonGov. Gavin Newsom“Committed $1 billion a year from the state's climate fund toward the rail projec”locationLos Angeles“Connected to San Francisco in the original 2008 bond measure design.”locationDenver“Where a legal consultant traveled between Denver and Sacramento 30 times in a ye”locationSacramento“Destination for frequent consultant travel from Denver and other locations.”locationGermany“Where Siemens Mobility, Inc. will design and build the three bullet trains.”locationBakersfield“Part of the 171-mile leg currently under construction from Merced.”