[xenadu02]

Apologies, it turns out we are both correct.

Coast Starlight uses both BNSF and UP track. Nevertheless the point stands: neither has any intention of making the track better for passenger service. Expect frequent delays and long trip times - far longer than driving.

I still hope that CA's HSR project will eventually complete the line and give us actual high-speed service. They seem to be focusing on building the middle segment because they can get it done quicker and easier, which turns the north SF and south LA extensions into a sunk cost problem: "well we already build HSR through the central valley, it makes no sense and is super embarassing not to finish it...". All told that's probably the best strategy.