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California transportation leaders “strongly support” implementing high-speed rail service in the state, according to a report issued yesterday by the Center for Urban Infrastructure at Brandman University.

The report, “Thinking Ahead: High-Speed Rail in Southern California,” examined the views of more than 100 public officials, private-sector developers, transportation planners and investment bankers who attended a conference sponsored by the Center for Urban Infrastructure in late August. Eighty-nine percent of participants supported high-speed rail and believe California is in a prime position to build a system that will attract riders and private capital from multiple sources.

More than half of the participants believe that private investment, including foreign investment, is an important part of the high-speed rail system’s success. Transit connectivity also is an important component to a successful high-speed rail system, according to the report.

In addition, participants said there is strong support for additional public/private partnership legislation in the state.