California high-speed rail chief resigns amid scrutiny of consultant travel expenses
publishers 24articles 24first reported 29 Oct, 19:15 UTCdeveloping since 30 Oct · 3 editions
Ian Choudri resigned Wednesday as chief executive of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, more than a month after a state watchdog found the agency had improperly reimbursed consultants for travel expenses.
A September report from California’s Office of the Inspector General found that the authority paid $543,000 in travel-related reimbursements that were not permitted, including international and out-of-state travel. The report also identified $81,000 in consultant expenses for visits to locations without an official business purpose, including gyms, an escape room and a nightclub.
Choudri cited “important personal and family priorities” in a resignation email obtained by CalMatters. He described leading the authority as “one of the most meaningful and rewarding chapters” of his career. Choudri had held the agency’s top post since 2024.
The authority is overseeing the planned high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The project’s estimated cost has risen above $100 billion, and no tracks have yet been laid, according to The Guardian.
Joe Stephenshaw, director of the California Department of Finance, will serve as the authority’s interim chief executive.
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- This version written
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