This is actually a good sign---of the hope of ending the boondoggle.  When the idea of "bringing in the private sector" to a public project is brought up, it's generally a desperate shot in the dark.  It's a stalling tactic while they try to think up more BS to stretch out this project until they're out of office.

According to the article, the researchers say that putting the project on hold is not a good idea---in other words, that's what our great leaders are considering because they have NO answers.  And what makes private ownership in this boond---er, public work look like a bad investment?:

"Under that model, known as “design-build-finance,” the private investors wouldn’t be paid back until the project is finished...."

Hey, if any of youse is looking for an investment as solid as this fine rail, but don't want to wait that long, I have an awesome bridge you can buy into.  Credit cards accepted, cash in plain brown envelopes preferred!