While many prospective high-speed train riders are eager to Fly California Without Leaving the Ground, the California High-Speed Rail Authority has developed a virtual tour that offers a sneak peak of what to expect once the first train leaves the station. The new Web site - complete with virtual trips, travel times, and estimated ticket prices - was launched last week and will be highlighted during the authority's board meeting on Wednesday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m. at the Anaheim City Council Chambers.

Visitors can now log on to http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/ , to explore route options, see train and station visualizations, compare travel costs and calculate CO2 emissions savings from high-speed train usage to help reduce global warming.

"We are excited to offer this comprehensive look at the proposed high- speed train system," said Judge Quentin L. Kopp, Chair of the California High- Speed Rail Authority Board. "We believe this new tool will provide an ideal opportunity for California residents to experience our state's unique landscape via high-speed rail."

The website also includes downloadable maps, broadcast quality video and the technical environmental impact reports that will clear the way for construction of the high-speed train.

Established in 1996, the California High-Speed Rail Authority is responsible for planning, constructing and operating a high-speed train system in California. The agency operates with a small core staff, with all environmental, planning and engineering work performed by private firms under contract with the Authority.

With the certification of the Statewide Final Program-Level Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the Authority has begun implementation of the 800-mile high-speed train system serving Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Valley, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Orange County and San Diego. High-speed trains will be capable of maximum speeds of 220 miles per hour with an expected trip time from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 2 hours and 40 minutes. The system is forecast to potentially carry over 100 million passengers per year by 2030.