People in Sao Paolo and Rio are about 40% richer than average Brazilians which reduces the gap somewhat. And GDP growth in Brazil has averaged 3.1% since 1991 with Sao Paolo growing faster. Costs are expected to be much lower for construction ($17 vs $68B) and probably operation. Also they expect it to take 5 years to build versus 15. Not sure how it would all shake out but does not seem to be a clearly worse project.
It's probably moot comparison anyway as best I can tell the Brazil HSR is not going to happen. There have even been giant protests over transportation and government spending.
I'm also pretty skeptical that CA HSR will actually get built - numbers don't add up and popularity is declining. If they can build and operate the Bakersfield to Fresno segment on schedule and budget it might have a chance - but I have doubts they can even do this.
It's probably moot comparison anyway as best I can tell the Brazil HSR is not going to happen. There have even been giant protests over transportation and government spending.
I'm also pretty skeptical that CA HSR will actually get built - numbers don't add up and popularity is declining. If they can build and operate the Bakersfield to Fresno segment on schedule and budget it might have a chance - but I have doubts they can even do this.