Anaheim dropped from initial bullet train plans

LOS ANGELES – In a blow to Orange County, the California bullet train project has dropped a link to Anaheim from its current $68 billion plan.

The rail agency confirmed the shift Friday, marking a significant departure for the Bay Area-to-Southern California high-speed rail system approved by voters in 2008.

Under newly revised plans, the first phase of the line would have its southern terminus near downtown Los Angeles rather than in Orange County. Bullet train passengers would have to transfer to slower Metrolink or Amtrak trains in Los Angeles to reach Orange County’s largest city.

Electrifying and improving the Los Angeles to Orange County route would cost $6 billion and save only 10 minutes of travel time, according to the rail authority.