California High-Speed Rail Reaches Agreement on Millbrae Station

The California High-Speed Rail Authority and the City of Millbrae have reached a settlement agreement on the city’s legal challenge concerning the future high-speed rail development.

The agreement sets out a framework for collaboration between the two entities as planning progresses for a high-speed rail station in Millbrae.

As part of the agreement, the City of Millbrae will take the lead on land use and planning efforts for the west side of the Millbrae BART station. This includes overseeing transit-oriented development (TOD) in line with the revised Millbrae Station Area Specific Plan. The High-Speed Rail Authority will be responsible for designing the proposed high-speed rail facilities, which will be integrated into the existing intermodal station.

Ian Choudri, Chief Executive Officer of the California High-Speed Rail Authority said:

This agreement reflects our continued commitment to collaboration with local partners like the City of Millbrae. It helps accelerate our path to bringing high-speed rail into the Bay Area—unlocking opportunity, mobility, and economic growth through fast, clean, and affordable transportation.

The dispute between the City of Millbrae and the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) stemmed from concerns raised by the city over the design and local impacts of the proposed high-speed rail station at Millbrae, particularly in relation to land use, station access, and coordination with existing infrastructure.

Millbrae was concerned about maintaining local control over land use decisions, particularly on the west side of the Millbrae BART station, an area targeted for transit-oriented development (TOD). The city wanted to ensure that any future high-speed rail station plans would align with its broader development strategy and zoning regulations.

The city also sought assurances that the high-speed rail facilities would be effectively integrated into the existing intermodal station, which already serves BART, Caltrain, and SamTrans. Concerns included whether the design would accommodate smooth transitions between transit modes and preserve local access.

In light of these concerns, both parties have agreed to coordinate closely on key issues such as station access and future development to ensure that pedestrian, vehicular, and public transport connectivity is prioritised.

Anders Fung, Mayor of Millbrae said:

This is a momentous milestone for Millbrae. This historic settlement represents our commitment to realising our true potential – where high quality public transit integrates with housing and economic development to energise the future of a thriving city. Millbrae is committed to working with anyone and everyone who respects us and comes to us an equal partner. This partnership will ensure the success of both Millbrae and California High-Speed Rail as we work toward realising the most important intermodal station in the western United States.