California High-Speed Rail CEO resigns before key board vote on LA-Anaheim route

Ian Choudri, CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, abruptly resigned late Wednesday night, ending a turbulent two-year tenure marked by financial setbacks, delays, and a recent travel expenses scandal, KTLA 5 reported.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Choudri's resignation came hours before a critical board meeting to consider environmental clearance for the final 33-mile segment of the rail route from Anaheim to Los Angeles, which would complete the environmental review for the entire Anaheim to San Francisco corridor.

Under Choudri's leadership since 2024, the project lost billions in federal funding and faced scrutiny after the authority's inspector general revealed wasteful travel expenses including trips to an escape room and cigar lounge by consulting firms.

The rail project remains more than 30 years behind schedule and over $100 billion above its original budget, with construction currently limited to a 119-mile section in the Central Valley and no set start date for other segments, including the LA-Anaheim leg.

Choudri cited personal and family priorities in his resignation email obtained by CalMatters. His departure follows earlier controversies, including an arrest on suspicion of domestic battery earlier this year, after which he took a voluntary leave and later returned to his post.