ABSTRACT
High-speed rail (HSR) has brought about significant impacts on cities and regions in many countries in the world. Impacts of HSR have proved to be multi-dimensional, multi-temporal, multi-level, and multi-disciplinary. Most of the research about the usefulness/implications of HSR has been based on case studies and short-term perspectives, while very few studies have been designed to try to reach general and long-term conclusions. Data availability is typically a major constraint of conventional quantitative research in its interpretation of aggregated data and deeper insights. Long-term prospective analyses, which try to “invent or grasp” what will happen, are instrumental for decision-making. Most prospective analyses consider that present ratios/dynamics are permanent, but this is not what happens in most cases. The literature is not uniform in its assessment of the wider economic benefits and spill-over effects of HSR. In terms of station-area development, some studies seem to conclude that the design and amenities of developments around centrally located HSR stations are important.
