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The California High‑Speed Rail program has a new scandal to add to its long list of woes. The Authority’s Office of the Inspector General released a report that found more than $1.1 million in consultant travel reimbursements were improper or lacked required approvals. In response, Assembly Republican Leader Alexandra Macedo has called for the immediate firing of CEO Ian Choudri. Taxpayers deserve answers — and fast.
What the Inspector General found
The OIG review looked closely at travel payments to four contracted consulting firms and found big problems. The Authority paid more than $2 million in travel costs across two fiscal years, and the OIG reviewed $1,152,400 of that in detail. About $800,900 — nearly 70% of the reviewed amount — was paid without the advance approvals state rules require. The report also flagged roughly $81,000 that appears unallowable under state travel rules and $543,000 that violated contract terms by covering out‑of‑state or international trips. Examples read like a bad expense account: upgraded flights, rideshare trips to gyms and cigar lounges, an escape room, and even fuel for a contractor’s private jet. If you squint, it looks less like consulting and more like a travel rewards program funded by California families.
Macedo demands accountability — starting at the top
Assembly Republican Leader Alexandra Macedo didn’t hide her disgust. She publicly urged the HSR Board to terminate CEO Ian Choudri, calling the OIG findings proof of “a culture of disregard for state law” and “persistent financial mismanagement.” Republican lawmakers had already asked Attorney General Rob Bonta to investigate, and Macedo’s letter ratchets up pressure on the Authority’s board to act. When taxpayer dollars are poured into questionable trips and unapproved reimbursements, the leadership should answer — not give us rehearsed promises about better forms.
Authority response and the usual promises
The High‑Speed Rail Authority acknowledged the OIG report and said it will tighten controls: new travel request forms, clearer contractor rules, training, and efforts to recover improper payments. Senator Dave Cortese said the agency is “moving in the right direction.” That’s the same line we hear after every misstep. Policy fixes are sensible — but they are not the same as real consequences for those who allowed millions in questionable spending. Promises to improve procedures are welcome, but taxpayers also need to see clawbacks, discipline, and a serious review of who’s running this program.
Why this matters to California families
California has already poured billions into this project and is looking at a price tag in the hundreds of billions when the plan is finished. Every dollar wasted on questionable travel is a dollar not used for roads, schools, or critical services. Voters and taxpayers should demand transparency and real accountability now, not next fiscal year. The OIG report gives the board clear legal and ethical reasons to act — starting with asking whether CEO Ian Choudri should keep his job. If leadership can’t enforce basic rules on consultant expenses, how can anyone trust them to manage the rest of the mammoth project?
