A state watchdog says the California High-Speed Rail Authority improperly paid nearly $600,000 in consultant travel expenses, raising new questions about oversight of taxpayer dollars.

The Office of the Inspector General reviewed about $1.15 million in travel expenses from four consulting firms and found roughly 60% lacked documented approval before the travel occurred.

The expenses included premium and first-class airfare, luxury Uber rides, and trips to gyms, restaurants, bars, a nightclub, an escape room and other destinations where investigators found no documented business purpose.

The watchdog also identified travel that appeared to violate state rules or contract terms, including international travel that was prohibited under one contract and more than $76,000 in out-of-state travel for personnel who were contractually required to be based in Sacramento.

Overall, investigators identified about $81,000 in expenses that appeared to violate state travel rules and another $543,400 that violated contract terms.

The High-Speed Rail Authority says it will strengthen travel controls, improve documentation and approval requirements, and seek reimbursement for improper expenses.

The investigation comes as California’s high-speed rail project continues to face major questions over its cost, timeline and funding.

TO DATE IT HAS SPENT $18 BILLION IN TAX DOLLARS AND HAS NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT.