Approving a $10 billion bond to fund the country's most ambitious high-speed rail system's first phase, California voters have given the green light for work to start on the
800-mile rail system that will feature trains capable of topping 200 mph.

The $9.9 billion proposition includes $9 billion for bullet trains and $950 million for conventional commuter and intercity rail, including trains to connect travelers with the high-speed system.

Even as California voters rejected most other initiatives with large price tags, this measure - which passed with 52 percent support Tuesday - won particularly because its backers sold it as an alternative to soaring airfares and long airport waits.

Mark Baldassare, president of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Public Policy Institute of California, said: "In our state, transportation is always a big issue. A lot of people have a sense that maybe bullet train is something I can use at some point. It's something they can relate to."

The proposed plan still needs support from federal and local governments and private investments. Supporters say that with enough money, the first trains could be running in six years and the entire system could be completed by 2020.

To begin with, the rail line would link Anaheim, Los Angeles, Fresno and San Francisco, and planners eventually want to include Sacramento, San Diego and Oakland.