This, I think, is the better take. They thought it would be easier, but it hasn't been. A real connection between Bakersfield and LA would be hugely difficult to build, but would have immense payoff. Ditto a real link between Fresno and San Jose, particularly when combined with CalTrain.

Build out-in, generate tons of new ridership then connect. This inward-out strategy means they won't have access to the bulk of the state's population until the second and third legs of the project.