# High Speed Rail on The No Agenda Show High Speed Rail comes up in 137 chapters across 112 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from August 2008 to October 2026. - **Chapters:** 137 - **Episodes:** 112 - **Discussed:** August 2008 – October 2026 - **Related topics:** [High-speed Rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [California](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [Infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md), [China](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [Amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [Siemens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/siemens.md), [Barack Obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [Warren Buffett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/warren-buffett.md), [Eminent Domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md), [Freight](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freight.md) ## Chapters 1–20 of 137 ### California Governor Race and Steve Hilton's Platform - **Episode:** [1910: Media Murder](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1910-media-murder.md) - **Published:** 2026-10-08 - **Time:** 33:15–38:43 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1910-media-murder/chapter/california-governor-race-and-steve-hilton-s-platform.md Steve Hilton is running for Governor of California on a platform focused on cutting fuel taxes, reducing vehicle registration fees, and canceling the state's high-speed rail project. His opponent, Javier Becerra, has been criticized for avoiding debates and relying on anti-Trump rhetoric to maintain the Democratic stronghold. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass sparked controversy by suggesting the election is already over, implying a Republican cannot win the state regardless of the candidate's platform. Keywords: [steve hilton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-hilton.md), [javier becerra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/javier-becerra.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [karen bass](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karen-bass.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [taxes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taxes.md) ### California High-Speed Rail Costs and Fraud - **Episode:** [1904: Junkie Communism](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1904-junkie-communism.md) - **Published:** 2026-09-17 - **Time:** 47:50–51:30 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1904-junkie-communism/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-costs-and-fraud.md The California high-speed rail project is criticized for spending over $18 billion without laying a single mile of track, with total cost estimates now reaching $231 billion. The segment also mentions recent arrests related to multi-million dollar fraud within homeless outreach programs in the state. Keywords: [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [book of knowledge](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/book-of-knowledge.md), [budget](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/budget.md), [fraud](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fraud.md) ### California High Speed Rail, Financial Crisis and Delays - **Episode:** [1894: Fever Concerns](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1894-fever-concerns.md) - **Published:** 2026-08-13 - **Time:** 2:02:48–2:05:08 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1894-fever-concerns/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-financial-crisis-and-delays.md The California High Speed Rail project faces a potential total loss of funding by December 2027, according to the state's Inspector General. The project is currently billions of dollars over budget and has only produced limited concrete structures in the Central Valley. The hosts contrast this failure with Japan's high-speed rail system, which was completed in the late 1950s. Keywords: [high speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [bakersfield](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bakersfield.md), [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md), [inspector general](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/inspector-general.md), [japan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/japan.md) ### Orbital Economy, High-Speed Rail Comparison - **Episode:** [1872: Lunar Economy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1872-lunar-economy.md) - **Published:** 2026-05-28 - **Time:** 1:28:22–1:31:38 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1872-lunar-economy/chapter/orbital-economy-high-speed-rail-comparison.md NASA's vision includes manufacturing rocket propellant on the moon and developing an "orbital economy." The hosts compare the $20 billion NASA budget to the $100 billion spent on California's high-speed rail project, which has yet to lay any track. They argue that while the space budget is large, it is relatively small compared to domestic infrastructure failures. Keywords: orbital economy, propellant manufacturing, [california high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-high-speed-rail.md), [nasa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nasa.md), [space exploration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/space-exploration.md) ### Train Security, Interstate Weapon Transport - **Episode:** [1863: Nekkidly](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1863-nekkidly.md) - **Published:** 2026-04-26 - **Time:** 16:47–19:21 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1863-nekkidly/chapter/train-security-interstate-weapon-transport.md Discussions regarding federal security protocols emerged, with suggestions of implementing TSA-style screening for trains. The conversation touched on the legality of transporting firearms across state lines and the lack of checkpoints at state borders, unlike agricultural inspections in California. Law enforcement officials noted the suspect purchased his weapons legally over the past two years. Keywords: [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [high speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [firearms](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/firearms.md), state lines ### California High-Speed Rail, Cost Overruns, Eminent Domain - **Episode:** [1858: Nut Spread](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1858-nut-spread.md) - **Published:** 2026-04-09 - **Time:** 1:22:56–1:25:44 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1858-nut-spread/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-cost-overruns-eminent-domain.md California's high-speed rail project is now projected to cost $126 billion, more than triple the original $33 billion estimate approved by voters in 2008. The earliest projected opening has been pushed to 2033, with the Trump administration recently pulling $4 million in federal funding. One of the hosts shares a personal account of being displaced from a San Francisco apartment via eminent domain for a station that remains unfinished and surrounded by homeless encampments. Keywords: [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [60 minutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/60-minutes.md), [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md) ### California High-Speed Rail, DOT Audit - **Episode:** [1775: Boomer Benefits](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1775-boomer-benefits.md) - **Published:** 2025-06-22 - **Time:** 2:18:03–2:22:13 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1775-boomer-benefits/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-dot-audit.md A producer working on the California High-Speed Rail project provides an insider update on the "scam of scams." A recent U.S. Department of Transportation audit warns that cost reimbursements may be retroactive if violations are found, potentially leaving contractors liable for millions. The project is described as preposterous and a point of leverage in the rivalry between Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom. Keywords: [california high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-high-speed-rail.md), chsra, us dot, [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md), [gavin newsom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gavin-newsom.md), [bakersfield](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bakersfield.md) ### Iran "Dead Man's Switch," California High-Speed Rail - **Episode:** [1736: The Blurt](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1736-the-blurt.md) - **Published:** 2025-02-06 - **Time:** 2:35:09–2:38:35 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1736-the-blurt/chapter/iran-dead-man-s-switch-california-high-speed-rail.md Donald Trump signed a document warning Iran of "total obliteration" if they attempt to assassinate U.S. leaders, a move some describe as a "dead man's switch." In California, the high-speed rail project is under investigation as costs have swelled from $45 billion to $128 billion with no completion date. The project is criticized as a massive "boondoggle" that failed to deliver on its original promises. Keywords: [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [qasem soleimani](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/qasem-soleimani.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [boondoggle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boondoggle.md) ### Barcelona Airport, European Infrastructure and Taxation - **Episode:** [1583: Ninny](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1583-ninny.md) - **Published:** 2023-08-20 - **Time:** 10:06–12:46 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1583-ninny/chapter/barcelona-airport-european-infrastructure-and-taxation.md Barcelona Airport has emerged as a major European hub, handling 70 million passengers annually and surpassing Schiphol in traffic. The region's infrastructure is supported by high-speed rail connections directly to the terminal. Observations regarding the local economy highlight significantly lower property taxes compared to the United States, where high tax burdens are attributed to funding the military-industrial complex and the war in Ukraine. Keywords: barcelona airport, [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [property tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/property-tax.md), [military industrial complex](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-industrial-complex.md), [spain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spain.md) ### East Palestine Conspiracy Theories, High-Speed Rail - **Episode:** [1531: Dead Name](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1531-dead-name.md) - **Published:** 2023-06-12 - **Time:** 2:49:13–2:52:07 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1531-dead-name/chapter/east-palestine-conspiracy-theories-high-speed-rail.md Various conspiracy theories regarding the East Palestine derailment are explored, including the idea that the town was a test market for medical ID sensors. Another theory suggests the disaster was orchestrated to clear a path for a planned Amtrak high-speed rail route. The hosts debate the severity of the chemical contamination versus media "overblowing" of the incident. Keywords: [east palestine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/east-palestine.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [vinyl chloride](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vinyl-chloride.md), medical sensors ### Southwest Airlines IT Infrastructure Failures and Bankruptcy Speculation - **Episode:** [1516: Carbon Bomb](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1516-carbon-bomb.md) - **Published:** 2022-12-29 - **Time:** 15:44–22:29 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1516-carbon-bomb/chapter/southwest-airlines-it-infrastructure-failures-and-bankruptcy-speculation.md Industry analysts suggest Southwest Airlines' collapse was caused by an obsolete crew-rescheduling system known as "REACCOM" that failed to handle mass disruptions. The airline's corporate culture reportedly declined following the death of founder Herb Kelleher, leading to speculation about potential bankruptcy or acquisition. There is further speculation that the crisis may be used to renew political interest in high-speed rail projects. Keywords: [southwest airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southwest-airlines.md), [it infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/it-infrastructure.md), reaccom, herb kelleher, [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md) ### Millennium Tower Sinking, San Francisco Infrastructure - **Episode:** [848: Cash on a Pallet](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/848-cash-on-a-pallet.md) - **Published:** 2022-04-28 - **Time:** 2:58:41–3:06:25 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/848-cash-on-a-pallet/chapter/millennium-tower-sinking-san-francisco-infrastructure.md The 58-story Millennium Tower in San Francisco has reportedly sunk 16 inches and is leaning 15 inches to the west. Residents blame the adjacent construction of a new transit center for the high-speed rail project. The situation is noted for its irony, as the transit project involved extensive use of eminent domain and has faced its own long-term delays. Keywords: [millennium tower](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/millennium-tower.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), sinking building, [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md) ### High Speed Rail, New York Tunnel Pipe Dream - **Episode:** [1343: McClintock Effect](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1343-mcclintock-effect.md) - **Published:** 2021-05-02 - **Time:** 2:02:49–2:06:37 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1343-mcclintock-effect/chapter/high-speed-rail-new-york-tunnel-pipe-dream.md President Biden discussed a $105 billion North Atlantic Rail plan that would include new tunnels under the Long Island Sound to facilitate high-speed travel between Boston and New York. He lamented that the U.S. is "behind the curve" compared to China, which operates trains at speeds up to 220 miles per hour. However, many of these projects date back to the Obama administration and remain largely unfunded or stuck in the planning phases. Keywords: [high speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obama.md), [infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md) ### High-Speed Rail and Infrastructure Promises - **Episode:** [1334: Kackling Kamala](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1334-kackling-kamala.md) - **Published:** 2021-04-01 - **Time:** 2:42:37–2:44:14 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1334-kackling-kamala/chapter/high-speed-rail-and-infrastructure-promises.md The Biden administration is reviving plans for a national high-speed rail system, promising coast-to-coast travel without gasoline. This mirrors similar infrastructure promises made during the Obama administration that failed to materialize. The plan also includes expanding affordable high-speed internet access to all Americans as part of a broader technological "reset." Keywords: [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md), [internet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet.md) ### High-Speed Rail, Airline Routes and The War on Cash - **Episode:** [1229: Orange Tongue](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1229-orange-tongue.md) - **Published:** 2020-04-02 - **Time:** 2:13:43–2:17:32 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1229-orange-tongue/chapter/high-speed-rail-airline-routes-and-the-war-on-cash.md The hosts discuss the failure of public high-speed rail projects in California and the emergence of private rail options. They also note that airlines are maintaining empty flights to avoid losing valuable airport slots. Meanwhile, the "war on cash" continues as tech companies like Square receive FDIC approval to operate as banks, further integrating digital finance. Keywords: [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), airline slots, [square](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/square.md), [fdic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fdic.md), [banking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking.md), [cashless society](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cashless-society.md) ### High-Speed Rail, Solar Energy and Nevada Infrastructure - **Episode:** [1218: Eggsistenial](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1218-eggsistenial.md) - **Published:** 2020-02-23 - **Time:** 20:53–24:06 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1218-eggsistenial/chapter/high-speed-rail-solar-energy-and-nevada-infrastructure.md Joe Biden advocated for high-speed rail and massive investments in the electrical grid to transmit wind and solar energy. He proposed building 500,000 new electric vehicle charging stations across the United States. Critics point to the California high-speed rail project as a massive failure and express skepticism about the efficiency of charging infrastructure compared to traditional gasoline. Keywords: [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [las vegas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/las-vegas.md), [solar panels](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/solar-panels.md), california rail ### Serbia, Kosovo, and Chinese Infrastructure Gateway - **Episode:** [1136: Spy Slut](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1136-spy-slut.md) - **Published:** 2019-05-12 - **Time:** 34:28–37:38 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1136-spy-slut/chapter/serbia-kosovo-and-chinese-infrastructure-gateway.md Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo are linked to China's "Belt and Road" initiative, with Belgrade serving as a gateway for Chinese rail into Europe. Steve Pieczenik claims that the Serbian mafia and military, supported by Israeli weaponry, will eventually clash with Chinese interests, making the region a potential theater for future conflict. Keywords: [serbia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/serbia.md), [kosovo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kosovo.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [israel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/israel.md) ### California High-Speed Rail, Obama Era Boondoggle - **Episode:** [1112: El Valvador](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1112-el-valvador.md) - **Published:** 2019-02-15 - **Time:** 1:34:08–1:39:04 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1112-el-valvador/chapter/california-high-speed-rail-obama-era-boondoggle.md The California high-speed rail project, once a signature initiative of the Obama administration, is criticized as a massive financial boondoggle. Originally pitched as a way to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles without TSA "Viper teams," the project's costs ballooned from $30 billion to over $100 billion. Critics argue the project primarily benefited land-owning political allies and the Burlington Northern railroad. Keywords: [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [gavin newsom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gavin-newsom.md), [eminent domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eminent-domain.md), [viper teams](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/viper-teams.md) ### European Travel Habits and Regional Isolation - **Episode:** [1091: Surf n Turf](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1091-surf-n-turf.md) - **Published:** 2018-12-03 - **Time:** 23:22–26:55 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1091-surf-n-turf/chapter/european-travel-habits-and-regional-isolation.md A discussion on the irony of geographic proximity reveals that many Europeans living near major capitals like Paris or Berlin rarely visit them. This phenomenon is compared to residents of Port Angeles, Washington, who seldom take the ferry to Victoria, Canada. The observation suggests a universal tendency for people to remain within their immediate local regions despite easy access to international travel. Keywords: [travel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travel.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), victoria canada, [port angeles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/port-angeles.md), [passports](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/passports.md) ### California Wildfires, PG&E Liability, and High-Speed Rail Theories - **Episode:** [1086: Shark Hole](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1086-shark-hole.md) - **Published:** 2018-11-18 - **Time:** 7:45 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1086-shark-hole/chapter/california-wildfires-pg-e-liability-and-high-speed-rail-theories.md The 2018 California wildfires, specifically the Camp Fire and Malibu blazes, have resulted in a rising death toll, including microcomputer pioneer Bill Godbout. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) shares dropped significantly after the company disclosed an electrical incident occurring shortly before the Camp Fire began. While official reports investigate potential negligence, alternative theories circulate regarding directed energy weapons and the fire's proximity to proposed high-speed rail paths. Keywords: [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [wildfires](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wildfires.md), [pg&e](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pg-e.md), camp fire, [malibu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/malibu.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), bill godbout [Next page](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md?offset=20) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`. - [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt) - [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md) - [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md) - [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md) - [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)