California high-speed rail consultants flew first-class, visited bars and a nightclub on taxpayers’ money

A state investigation revealed that the California High-Speed Rail Authority paid nearly $600,000 in unallowable travel reimbursements to outside consultants. These expenses included first-class flights and visits to bars and a nightclub, supported by poor record-keeping. Simultaneously, the project faces a severe cash crisis. Officials warn that the California high-speed rail project could run out of funding by 2027, a situation that may force the authority to shrink its originally planned route.