[ljhsiung]

> In the late 1960s annual inflation approached 7%, more than double the economic predictions utilized in the original plans back in 1962. From mid-1967 onward, the system fought one financial crisis after another, struggling to remain afloat [...] The actual construction figure ended up being about $1.6 billion, $315 million of which came from the Federal government.

1.6 Bil in 1969 dollars translates to 13.6 Bil in 2024 dollars.

Oftentimes I hear complaints that today's projects cost too much, or I come across ballot measures where the other side is always like "something something we have no moneys" such as Prop 4 in California [1]. Sometimes reading about the past puts the present in perspective.

[1] - https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_4,_Parks,_Env...

[jeffbee]

Usually if you think it over the mass transit projects have excellent value. For example the new eastern half of the Bay Bridge cost $6.5 billion (year of expenditure totals ending 2013) and that is not anywhere near as extensive, complex, or valuable as BART. Adding 1 stupid lane to US-101 in Novato cost $800 million. Then if you look at the HSR project that all the reactionaries whine about, they spent only $11 billion to design the entire system, get all the EIRs approved, build over 100 miles of trackway, and electrify Caltrain.

[s1artibartfast]

I feel like there is context missing here. Is 13B high or low compared to current costs.