California High-Speed Rail Consultants Billed $2 Million in Travel Costs Including Nightclub and Tiki Bar Trips

California high-speed rail consultants incurred over $2 million in travel expenses with $592,000 ruled unallowable by the state inspector general. Weak pre-approval processes and hourly billing during transit sustained the charges amid a project already delayed two decades and tripled in cost. Limited corrective action leaves the same incentive structure in place.