Discussing the Future of High Speed Rail in California

On Thursday, January 18th, Ms. LaDonna DiCamillo from the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) visited USC ITE as the first distinguished speaker series guest of 2024. Ms. DiCamillo discussed her career and her work as the Southern California Regional Director at CHSRA.

USC ITE Immediate Past President Tim Labounko introduces Ms. DiCamillo

Ms. DiCamillo's education includes a degree in chemistry as well as a JD. Prior to her appointment to CHSRA by Governor Gavin Newsom, she worked at BNSF, where she became an expert in environmental regulations and government affairs. At CHSRA, she oversees the Authority's efforts in the Southern California region, from environmental review to public engagement to development and reporting.

Students listening to the presentation

Ms. DiCamillo discussing CHSRA's initiatives

At top of mind for many students, as well as Ms. DiCamillo, was the status of rail initiatives in and around Los Angeles. Ms. DiCamillo mentioned the particular operational challenges at LA Union Station stemming from the terminal's lack of through-running tracks. The Link US project, in collaboration with Metro and other agencies, plans on building through-running tracks with funding in part from CHSRA.

Ms. DiCamillo discussing the LA-Anaheim corridor

Ms. DiCamillo also mentioned proposals being considered to alleviate congestion on the southern portion of the future high speed rail network, from Los Angeles to Anaheim. This corridor features several busy intermodal cargo facilities; existing passenger traffic from Metrolink and Amtrak is constrained by the needs of the cargo railways who own the right of way. Because high speed rail will ultimately share the same corridor, CHSRA is working with stakeholders to add new tracks and add infrastructure to improve passenger throughput.

Ms. DiCamillo and students in conversation

The evening concluded with a Q&A session where Ms. DiCamillo fielded questions from the assembled USC ITE student members and guests. Thank you very much to Ms. DiCamillo for sharing her time and insights with USC ITE