Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

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, California's independent inspector general released a report finding the High-Speed Rail Authority reimbursed nearly $600,000 in wasteful consultant travel expenses, including trips to gyms, nightclubs, and escape rooms that violated 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—KPMG, Nossaman LLP, AECOM-Flour Joint Venture, and SYSTRA/TYPSA Joint Venture—often failing to sufficiently vet requests or enforce contract terms.
  • Questionable spending included $118,000 in barred international travel, while CEO Ian Choudri allegedly directed staff to approve travel requests without justification, including premium rideshare rides to nightclubs and Planet Fitness gyms.
  • 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 and unallowable" spending.
  • Lawmakers approved Assembly Bill 1608 this year to strengthen inspector general oversight, as the agency faces broader scrutiny regarding its financial management and ability to complete the planned rail segment by 2027.
Insights by Ground AI

15 Articles

Cal MattersCal Matters
+7 Reposted by 7 other sources
Lean Left

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
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 37% of the sources lean Left, 36% of the sources lean Right
37% Left

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

KMPH broke the news on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal