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California High-Speed Rail Consultants Flew First-Class, Visited Bars and a Nightclub on Taxpayers’ Money
The inspector general said the authority violated state and contract rules and will seek reimbursement from four consulting firms.
- On Tuesday, an independent inspector general report revealed the California High-Speed Rail Authority reimbursed nearly $600,000 in wasteful travel expenses to consultants, including trips to gyms and nightclubs, violating state rules and contract requirements.
- Between June 2024 and April 2026, the authority paid more than $2 million in travel costs for four consulting firms, including KPMG, Nossaman LLP, AECOM-Flour Joint Venture, and SYSTRA/TYPSA Joint Venture, often failing to vet necessity or enforce contract terms.
- Questionable spending included $118,000 in barred international travel, while CEO Ian Choudri allegedly directed staff to approve requests without justification, including luxury rides to nightclubs and gyms per the report.
- Authority officials agreed to strengthen internal controls and recover improper costs by March 2027, though Assembly GOP Leader Alexandra Macedo called the findings evidence of wasteful spending.
- Lawmakers approved Assembly Bill 1608 to strengthen inspector general oversight, as the agency faces scrutiny regarding financial management and its ability to complete planned rail segments by 2027.
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11 Articles
California high speed rail paid for consultants’ trips to tiki bar, gym and ‘escape room’ as blown expenses revealed
The California High-Speed Rail Authority paid for consultants' first-class flights and Uber trips to nightclubs, gyms and an "escape room," according to an audit.
·New York, United States
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Cal Matters+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
California high-speed rail consultants flew first-class, visited bars and a nightclub on taxpayers’ money
California’s High-Speed Rail Authority paid nearly $600,000 in unallowable travel reimbursements to outside consultants while keeping a poor record to justify them, a state investigation found.
·Sacramento, United States
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High-Speed Rail Authority used taxpayer money on questionable travel for consultants, report finds
California taxpayers have been funding questionable travel for consultants working with the California High-Speed Rail Authority, according to a report released Tuesday by the project's independent inspector general.
·Sacramento, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 29%
C 43%
R 28%
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