Socioeconomic Impacts of High-Speed Rail Systems

The concept of integrating air and rail transportation modes has been explored for decades. However, “Air-rail intermodal transport (ARIT)” as a research topic has gained increasing attention in recent years worldwide, as scholars and practitioners increasingly recognize the potential benefits, such as enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity in passenger and freight movements, of combining air and high-speed rail (HSR) within a single seamless transportation journey. As China is widely recognized as a global leader in the HSR sector, research on HSR in China holds significant importance in academic and industrial fields. The study has a fourfold objective: (1) to understand the state-of-the-art ARIT research by adopting a bibliometric analysis; (2) to conduct a comparative analysis between research from China and other countries; (3) to explore research trends of existing literature; and (4) to draw insights for future research on ARIT. The results showed (1) Xu Feng and Nie Lei are the prolific authors of ARIT; (2) Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Civil Aviation University of China, and Beijing Jiaotong University are the core research institutions; (3) China leads this research topic worldwide; (4) Railway Transportation and Economy ranked first among other high-quality journals; (5) Currently, both Chinese and international research are focusing on the studies of transportation network, travel time, passenger demand, and transfer hub. Chinese studies focus more on infrastructure, technology development, and the integration among various transportation modes, while international ones have broader perspectives, such as social welfare, environmental sustainability, passenger satisfaction, and service quality; (6) The keywords, such as cross-border transportation, e-commerce, and passenger groups, reflect the emerging research directions. The study for the first time provides a holistic understanding of the current state of knowledge on ARIT from the perspectives of Chinese and international scholars and identifies avenues for future research.

Railways and aviation are major modes of international origin–destination (OD) travel, and the intermodal model is influenced by external factors such as the layout of airports and train stations, as well as passenger demands and preferences. At the same time, internal factors like infrastructure, service protocols, and coordination mechanisms also impose constraints. This study focuses on the passenger transfer process, luggage handling procedures, and ticketing mechanisms in air-rail intermodality, systematically identifying the factors that affect air-rail intermodal services from the perspective of passenger preferences throughout the “end-to-end” travel process. Using international air-rail intermodality in cities such as Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Tianjin as case studies, the research analyzes the key service metrics that passengers prioritize in air-rail intermodal travel and establishes a correlation mechanism between service components and these metrics. A SWOT analysis is employed to summarize the strengths and weaknesses of various air-rail intermodal models, identify the bottlenecks and challenges in air-rail intermodal cooperation, and propose development strategies for air-rail services through the application of new technologies, product optimization, and infrastructure improvements. The study finds that business travelers prioritize convenience, while leisure travelers focus more on affordability. Despite regional differences in international air-rail intermodal services, common challenges persist, including insufficient cooperation among operators, a lack of service refinement, and increasing infrastructure demands, often accompanied by high construction costs. In air-rail services with spatial separation between airports and stations, particular emphasis should be placed on transfer connectivity, especially in developing luggage and check-in facilities before transfers, which plays a crucial role in managing seasonal surges in passenger volume. For air-rail services where airports and stations are in close proximity, optimizing the coordination of air and rail timetables holds significant potential, requiring personalized ticketing solutions tailored to different passenger groups. Integrated air-rail intermodal services should prioritize enhancing “soft power,” not only by offering flexible, personalized services but also by improving the overall service level through specialized third-party intermodal platforms and collaborative mechanisms.

High-speed rail (HSR) is becoming a more and more popular mode alternative choice for passengers. In the literature, many researchers have examined the direct and indirect impacts of HSR, and the competition between HSR and Air. Indeed, several approaches have been proposed to analyse this competition, but the use of game theory brought a new perspective in this research field. In this paper, the case study linked to the construction of a new HSR line with a strategic hub in the city of Bucharest (Romania) has been analysed. The HSR-Air competition issue has been studied with reference to the Bucharest-Budapest corridor and the Bucharest-Sofia corridor. The inclusion of HSR within the market in which Air represents today the only alternative for travelling between these cities could significantly have an impact on the market equilibrium. In this paper, a Game Theoretical Approach was developed to study the competition between HSR and Air in the Eastern European context; and a non-cooperative game was developed involving the two competitors HSR and Air, both aiming to maximise their profits. It is expected that HSR will attract part of the travel demand that previously chose plane between the same cities. Furthermore, the entry into the market of a competitor, such as HSR, would lead to a reduction in the Air fares compared to the previous situation, in which the Air market dominated.

The competition between high-speed rail (HSR) and air transport has emerged as a significant topic of interest in transportation research. Increasingly, countries around the world are investing in HSR to reduce travel times between major commercial regions, thereby facilitating user mobility and enhancing cultural, social, and economic interconnections. Numerous studies have highlighted that the introduction of HSR into the market could significantly impact the aviation sector, particularly on short-to medium-distance routes where HSR presents a formidable competitor to air transport. This study aims to identify the various methodologies employed in analyzing HSR-air transport competition, categorizing them into macro categories; to distinguish between studies that analyze real-world case studies and those that do not. To this end, we conducted an exhaustive review of existing scientific publications on HSR-air transport competition. Using the Bibliometrix R tool, we analyzed documents retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database between 2004 and 2023. The study examined published sources and their most significant contributions, highlighting the key authors, institutions, and countries that have made substantial contributions to this field. Furthermore, a keyword analysis was conducted to identify the most frequently used terms in the reviewed works, culminating in the creation of a “word cloud” that visually represents these keywords. This comprehensive review provides a valuable resource for understanding the current state of research on HSR and air transport competition and identifies areas for future research focus.

As European cities continue to expand their interconnectivity, High-Speed Rail (HSR) emerges as a pivotal element in sustainable transportation planning. This paper explores the viability of HSR as both a competitive and integrative transport mode, with a specific focus on the route between Copenhagen and Stockholm. The current air travel option for this route takes about one hour of flight time. However, this does not account for the additional 1.5 h required for airport check-in and security, plus the commute from Stockholm's Arlanda Airport, located 46 km away, to the city center. The entire journey from Copenhagen to Stockholm, therefore, effectively consumes about half a day when considering all transit and waiting times. Conversely, the existing rail connection between these two cities takes approximately 5.5 h, and car travel extends to about 7.5 h, including the costs associated with the Øresund Bridge toll and Stockholm city center road tolls. This paper proposes that a dedicated HSR link could dramatically reduce ground travel time to a competitive range of approximately 2.5 to 3 h. By analyzing current infrastructure, passenger flow data, and economic implications, the study assesses the potential shifts in passenger preferences and the resulting impacts on both the aviation and automotive sectors. This analysis includes environmental considerations, where HSR offers significant reductions in carbon emissions compared to air travel. Additionally, the paper discusses logistical and economic challenges involved in integrating HSR with existing transport networks and evaluates the potential for HSR to enhance regional accessibility and economic development. The study also examines potential financing models for HSR development, exploring public–private partnerships, government funding, and European Union subsidies as viable funding sources. Furthermore, this paper addresses the social implications of HSR, including its ability to reduce travel-related stress and increase productivity among commuters. It also considers the broader geopolitical implications, such as HSR's role in promoting EU cohesion and reducing dependency on fossil fuels in line with the European Green Deal. This comprehensive evaluation aims to position HSR as a transformative force in European transport, advocating for policy shifts that favor long-term sustainability over short-term convenience. By doing so, it seeks to contribute to the ongoing discussions on transport infrastructure development, encouraging a move towards more sustainable and integrated transport solutions in Europe. The paper concludes by proposing policy recommendations for governments and international bodies to support the expansion of HSR networks across the continent, highlighting the critical role of comprehensive planning and cross-border cooperation in realizing these ambitions. By providing a detailed comparative analysis of HSR with existing transportation options and emphasizing its benefits in terms of efficiency, environmental impact, and social value, this study aims to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the strategic importance of investing in HSR as a cornerstone of future European mobility strategies.

With recent support from federal funding, North American countries are planning new high-speed rail projects and upgrading existing conventional rail to serve fast intercity trains. In 2023, the Federal Railroad Administration identified 69 corridors in 44 states for intercity passenger rail expansion in the United States. In Canada, two key projects are underway: Vancouver-Seattle and Québec-Windsor. As generational investments are made to modernize intercity trains, a common debate among decision makers is the cost–benefit of high-speed rail and high-frequency rail. High-speed rail is defined by the International Union of Railways (UIC) as speeds over 250 km/h. When designed for speeds over 300 km/h, trains are capable of providing journey times competitive with air travel for distances within 800 km. Of the 21 countries with high-speed systems in operation, 60 percent offer rail service with speeds competitive with air travel. In order to achieve these results, high-speed rail is typically built as a new railway line with technical specifications that are capital-intensive and have long construction timelines. Some officials have suggested that high-frequency rail could improve travel times on existing rail for less cost. While there is no standard definition for “high-frequency rail,” Canadian officials have described it as adding more frequencies and greater reliability at conventional speeds of 200 km/h or less. To better understand passenger outcomes with high-speed rail and high-frequency rail, this case study explores the advantages, challenges, and opportunities of each option. By comparing and contrasting the Vancouver-Seattle high-speed project and the Québec-Windsor high-frequency project to successful systems in operation, decision makers can gain a better understanding of how their infrastructure investment relates to passenger experience, growth planning, and environmental outcomes.

In recent years, the creative economy has become a potential source of economic growth, with global creative goods and services reaching at a record high of US$524 million in 2020, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Many cities worldwide have responded to this growing trend by developing specialized infrastructure, such as coworking spaces, innovation labs, and supportive policies like tax incentives and direct subsidies, to assist this sector. However, it also requires the necessary physical infrastructure to move the goods, people, and ideas that drive the creative economy effectively. Efficient transportation networks are crucial towards promoting collaboration among creative professionals, enabling access to regional and global markets, and attracting both talent and investment at the same time. This paper explores Japan’s use of its high-speed rail (HSR) system to meet these objectives in its creative cities. These cities benefit from HSR stations connected to the Shinkansen line by facilitating economic activity through transit-oriented development (TOD). Using a mixed-methods approach, this chapter examines the intensity of land use surrounding an HSR station by employing nighttime light data (NTL) analysis. Although radiometric calibration and atmospheric correction are typically applied to NTL data to ensure that the resulting imagery accurately reflects surface radiance values, these steps were not performed in this study due to data limitations. A fixed effects panel model was also employed to analyse the longitudinal impact of HSR station proximity on land use intensity and local economic activity. The results provide evidence that creative cities with HSR stations, such as the City of Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, have experienced significant increases in local economic activity and land use intensity post-HSR integration, as reflected in higher NTL levels. This growth is further supported by strategic TOD policies that prioritize mixed-use development and cultural innovation districts within or near these transit hubs.

This study measured the level of transit and car accessibility using the cumulative opportunity method based on the distribution of employment positions. It then analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics of property prices in Shanghai, as well as the impact of accessibility to high-speed rail (HSR) stations on property prices. The downtown HSR station, Shanghai Railway Station, was reported to have the highest accessibility by both transit and car. It was also found that 64.7% of residents arrived at downtown Shanghai Railway Station faster than the suburban Hongqiao Railway Station, with an average saving of 24.9 min. The Hedonic Pricing Model (HPM) showed that the property price around the downtown HSR station was the most sensitive to the change in accessibility. Each 1% reduction in car and transit accessibility would result in a 0.208% and 0.206% reduction in property prices, respectively. The car accessibility to the suburban station, Hongqiao Railway Station, exhibited the least correlation with the property price, while transit accessibility to Hongqiao Railway Station had a higher correlation. These results showed that without adequate support from transit systems, the performance of suburban HSR stations would be substantially inhibited. It also highlighted the spatial heterogeneity of the impact rules in different areas of Shanghai, and emphasized the importance of connecting the suburban HSR stations to the urban transit systems to eliminate the weakness of the station location.

The High-Speed Rail (HSR) in Italy began its services in 2009, initially serving the six main cities in the centre-north of Italy, along with other smaller cities with less frequent services. Currently, the number of cities reached by HSR services has increased tenfold from the start, and we can observe how this service has influenced not only travel behaviour but also the property market. The aim of this research is to find a relationship between property prices and the presence of an HSR station, the frequency and the travel time of HSR services. To this end, the methodology involves three main steps: data collection on HSR services and property prices, followed by the definition of a model to evaluate HSR effects on property values. The modelling process is based on a staggered difference-in-differences (DiD) method, applied using a two-way fixed effects (TWFE) model. This approach allows control for unobserved heterogeneity by accounting for time-invariant characteristics of the cities and common trends over time. The analysis reveals that property prices near HSR stations may decrease, primarily due to factors unrelated to HSR services, which have a stronger impact than the incremental changes in train frequency or travel times, reflecting the broader dynamics of the property market in large Italian cities. However, the introduction of HSR services helps mitigate these negative effects, suggesting that higher service levels balance out the initial decline.

The study conducts a comparative analysis of population elasticity before and after the introduction of High Speed Rail (HSR) across the regions of China. It focuses on the elasticity of population change in relation to development of HSR in China and associated shifts in economic conditions. The concept of elasticity in this context quantifies the percentage change in population resulting from a one percent change in economic growth, using the GDP as the key economic indicator. Through the application of log transformations, this research ensures normalized data distributions, enhancing interpretability and meeting the assumptions required for robust statistical analysis. After the introduction of HSR, significant shifts in population elasticity are observed, so that the findings of this study emphasize significant regional differences—or meso level analysis—in how HSR influences population elasticity with respect to economic growth. The findings underscore the critical role of HSR in promoting economic integration and urban development in China. The infrastructure not only enhances transportation efficiency but also fosters a dynamic and responsive population landscape. As such, HSR can contribute to the realignment of population growth patterns, encouraging balanced regional development and enabling greater economic connectivity between urban and rural areas.

The study explores the heterogeneous effects of High-Speed Rail development on employment in China, with a specific focus on the “Hu Line,” employing Spatial Autoregressive models to analyze employment patterns across eastern and western regions. We find that HSR amplifies existing economic advantages in eastern regions, boosting investment, global market integration, and urban connectivity, which accelerates growth in already developed urban centers. Conversely, in the Western regions, HSR has still considerable potential to stimulate economic development by creating new industrial hubs and enhancing tourism opportunities. To date, the impact in the Western regions has been highly variable and contingent on local policies and infrastructure investments, but it clearly has the potential for a much greater benefit as diminishing returns emerge in the East and careful policy design is applied in the West. HSR increases overall labor mobility but exacerbates existing economic disparities. In the East, it fosters a dynamic labor market, while in the West, it risks intensifying brain drain. Employment opportunities created by HSR construction and operation are unevenly distributed, with more developed areas likely seeing greater diversification in job markets. Notwithstanding that HDR heightens economic efficiency, re-belancing its development towards equity objectives may further promote its appeal as a fundamental mechanism to kickstart economic growth.

Territorial competitiveness is a fundamental concept of local economy and development. It is a set of factors and characteristics that determine the ability of territories (city, province, or region) to prosper economically, socially and culturally. This concept goes beyond economic competitiveness and includes aspects related to quality of life, innovation, sustainability and social cohesion: a territory becomes competitive when it is able to face market competition while ensuring environmental, economic, social and cultural sustainability based on networking and inter-territorial forms of articulation. A competitive region is able to attract investment, talent and businesses, creating an environment conducive to economic growth and the wellbeing of its community. The aim of this paper is to describe a methodology for assessing the territorial competitiveness of the Italian provinces and the impact that railway investments can have on it. Indeed, it is important to note the impact of rail investment on the competitiveness of an area, in terms of economic and employment growth, fostering integration and social cohesion, and providing new development opportunities for the population and businesses. Moreover, in this paper it will be presented the case study of the Palermo-Catania high-speed rail link and the evaluation of the impact of this investment on the competitiveness of the Sicilian territory. This investment aims to upgrade the Palermo-Catania railway connection by improving the Fiumetorto-Bicocca section to enlarge the current single-rail capacity and increase the speed limit to 200 km/h. The Palermo-Catania case study and the impact assessment of the new line have already been examined in the paper “Wider Effects of Railways—The Palermo-Catania High-Speed line, Italy”, in which the individual effects of the Wider Economic Impacts, Accessibility, Contribution to Reducing Inequalities and Agglomeration Effect were examined: Economic and Employment Impact, Accessibility, Contribution to the Reduction of Inequalities and Agglomeration Effect. In this publication it will be possible to observe how some of these impacts can affect the Sicilian competitiveness. The competitiveness of an area cannot be measured quantitatively by means of a one-dimensional indicator. It is therefore necessary to use methods that allow the multidimensionality of the phenomenon to be taken into account. To this end, it is possible to define a composite indicator characterised by a hierarchical structure based on simple, measurable variables that make up the different dimensions. These dimensions in turn make up the competitiveness indicator. Rete Ferroviaria Italiana has constructed a composite index of territorial competitiveness at the provincial level, composed by 8 specific composite indicators (dimensions), that can effectively summarise the phenomenon of territorial competitiveness. In particular:

The paper presents the methodology used to construct the complex indicator and its application to the case study of the new Palermo-Catania link.

Train stations as public spaces representing the city, have become gathering points for the city and its inhabitants, acting almost as “gateways to the city” in addition to serving as intersections connecting different rail networks. High-speed rail stations have become multi-storey buildings with different functions; they have become social centers of the city, catering to different needs beyond transportation, with stores, restaurants, hotels and offices where people can spend their time outside of transportation. The Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station in Florence and the Atocha train station in Madrid are two representative train stations in Europe that play an important role in their respective cities. Using Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence, Italy, and Madrid Atocha Train Station in Madrid, Spain, as case studies, this study explores the multifaceted relationship between cities and train stations, how these central train stations have become landmarks and key nodes in their respective cities, and how train stations can be analyzed in terms of their architectural, social, cultural, aesthetic, and landscape dimensions, which can shed light on the future development of transportation hubs and cities provides insights into the future development of transportation hubs and cities, and serves as a reference for urban planning and the construction of transportation facilities.

The High-Speed Rail system plays a fundamental role in shaping new mobility habits; thanks to reduced times and high frequencies of services, it can induce new demand linked to opportunities previously considered inaccessible. Despite the ability to reconfigure people’s mobility habits, doubts remain regarding the direct causality between HSR and the formation of megacities, given the complexity of relationships between territorial economic development and HSR. While in literature concerning the Chinese socio-economic system development the idea takes shape that Megalopolis and HSR are two interconnected but distinct territorial policies, in which HSR is used to mitigate the negative effects of Megalopolis urban growth and contributes to the amplification of the Megalopolis economic effects, in the European context it is more difficult to investigate the causal relationships between HSR and Megacity formation, also because of the historical territorial development. Some studies have shown that the existence of High-Speed Rail between two cities is not sufficient to give rise to the benefits of a Megacity; in fact, a complex and coordinated system of actions is needed, both concerning the characteristics of the transportation supply, from the number of services to the existence of connections between smaller cities and the main centres connected by HSR, and appropriate territorial and economic development policies. Starting from this premise, this paper aims to look further into the links between some Italian realities, Milan—Turin (MiTo), and Naples—Rome (RoNa), which because of their characteristics are candidates to be defined as Megacities, in the sense of “polycentric human development”, which exist as separate entities but also as extended functional systems connected by transport infrastructures and flows of people, and HSR services operating between these cities for more than ten years. In particular, starting from the theoretical framework of the analysis regarding the link between HSR and Megacities provided by previous studies on the subject, the relationships between a selection of social, economic and transport indicators are investigated in order to deepen the interdependence knowledge of these various factors that contribute as a whole to the megacities phenomenon.

The Italferr Sustainability Unit and the FS Research Centre of the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane Group have been developing an integrated set of pillars and indicators for the Territorial Impact Assessment of railways, taking into account the state of the art related to the evaluation of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of infrastructure.

In fact, professionals, academia and policymakers increasingly acknowledge the need to consider possible territorial effects of new policies and projects in the field of territorial cohesion, with references to large EU infrastructure projects, pointing out the diversity of impacts in European regions.

Furthermore, practice shows that these impacts are sometimes felt at regional/local level instead of having a global impact for the entire European territory, due to the “sensitivity of regions”.

Territorial (regional) sensitivity can be described as the degree to which a territory (region) is directly and indirectly affected, either adversely or beneficially by change, in relation to “how single territories/regions are subject to specific fields, due to their socio-economic and geographical characteristics and to the social values and territorial stakeholders they are likely to show”, taking into account possible benefits of infrastructure on functional organisation, environment and communities.

To this end, the papers is articulated in five parts: Introduction, Theoretical background, Research Design, Results and Conclusions.

This paper investigates the impact of the Reggio Emilia Mediopadana High-Speed Rail (HSR) station on local property prices, utilising a Difference-in-Differences (DiD) research design. The study leverages the quasi-random location of the station, situated between Bologna and Milan, to assess its effects on property markets. Using data from the Italian “Housing Market Observatory” (OMI) provided by the Italian Revenue Agency, we analysed property price trends across various geodetic distances and travel time zones, focusing on the differential impact on civil and commercial properties. Our results indicate a significant positive effect on civil (residential) properties, particularly in areas located 20–30 kms or 15–30 min from the station, with price increases ranging between 2 and 6%. These findings highlight the benefits of improved connectivity for suburban residential markets, where the demand for housing is driven by commuting convenience and affordability. In contrast, commercial properties saw minimal or no price increases, suggesting that businesses are less sensitive to the improved transport links provided by the HSR station due to potential negative externalities like noise and congestion. The study offers key policy insights, recommending that urban planning strategies align with transport infrastructure investments to enhance residential property markets. Additionally, complementary investments in local infrastructure may be necessary to boost the attractiveness of commercial properties. This paper contributes to the literature by offering robust empirical evidence of the heterogeneous effects of HSR on property markets, emphasising the differentiated impact on residential versus commercial property.

The new high-speed rail line between La Robla (León) and Pola de Lena (Asturias), commonly referred to as the Pajares variant, was officially inaugurated on 29 November 2023. This section forms a crucial part of the high-speed rail network that connects León with Asturias and has brought about a substantial reduction in travel times. Specifically, journey durations have been shortened by over an hour, making it possible to travel between Madrid and Oviedo in approximately 3 h and 15 min. This significant improvement enhances the efficiency and convenience of rail travel, making it a more appealing option for passengers who previously relied on other forms of transport, such as cars or planes. The impact of this new infrastructure extends beyond travel times. It is expected to influence the redistribution of passengers across different modes of transport, potentially shifting travel preferences and patterns. Moreover, the introduction of this high-speed line brings with it numerous social and economic benefits, including improved regional connectivity and potential boosts to local economies. To assess these impacts comprehensively, the research will employ a descriptive case study methodology. The primary aim is to gain a deeper understanding of the socio-economic advantages that arise from the commissioning of this high-speed rail section and how it contributes to regional development.

People and items can transport via rails economically, comfortably, safely a place to another. High Speed Train (HST) make it faster. General expectation is High Speed Railway (HSR) effects positively railway perimeter to develop. The impact difference between cities with HST and cities without HST in terms of some development parameters will be analyzed analytically to reveal the socio-economic data of the countries in this study. Sustainable development is not a static point, but a journey to a better future. Many cities that have a HST are more developed (center of attraction, attracting investment) than the rest of the country. This means that already developed cities have more chances to develop than the rest of the country because they have more attractive centers. This can cause the problem of autocorrelation and needs to be eliminated. Therefore, endogenous and exogenous variables also need to be analyzed to determine the regression model. This model will try to identify the impact of HST on the social economic development performance of cities.

The development of high-speed rail (HSR) in Italy has garnered significant investment, especially in the southern regions. One important infrastructure project that aims to connect the regions of Campania and Puglia as well as the cities of Naples and Bari to Rome is the Naples-Bari or “Na-Ba” line. The “Na-Ba” project aims to enhance accessibility and connectivity, particularly for inland areas between Avellino, Benevento and Bari, which are important hubs for both tourism and production but currently face significant accessibility challenges. While major urban centres, as Naples and Bari, are expected to directly benefit from the HSR line, the potential impacts on more rural areas remain uncertain and warrant further investigation. The study methodology is structured in two phases. The first phase involves an analysis of accessibility, focusing on key variables relevant to tourism, such as transport access, services, and service frequency. The second phase consists of a scenario-based comparison (“as is” vs. “to be”), utilizing an econometric model to explore the relationship between HSR and local economic growth, particularly in the tourism sector. The results from the econometric analysis indicate a steady increase in tourism-related investment across different scenarios of intermodality. In Scenario 1 (Low Intermodality), predicted investment levels reach 9.44, while Scenario 2 (Medium Intermodality) estimates 9.52, and Scenario 3 (High Intermodality) projects an investment of 9.63. The findings also show a 3% improvement in accessibility, and increased transport service frequency has a positive impact on tourism investment.

Contemporary mobility systems are often regarded as key factors contributing to the appeal and to the economic growth of urban areas. Many studies have shown that High-Speed Rail (HSR) is an innovative transportation system able to contribute to the economic development of areas, for instance by modifying land value or boosting tourism. However, the role of High-Speed Rail in affecting tertiary education choices has not yet been explored in scientific literature. High-Speed Rail improves territorial connectivity and can give students the opportunity to explore more education alternatives to meet their ambitions. The inflow of university students enhances the high-skilled human capital and competitiveness of areas, while depleting it in the areas of origin, which in Italy are primarily southern regions. In this paper, the higher education system and the internal student mobility in Italy is described and literature regarding transportation and student mobility is reviewed. The paper then proposes two models that can be used to study the effect of HSR for tertiary educational choice.

Like most transport-related megaprojects, decisions for new High-speed Railways (HSR) face criticism and raise questions about their effectiveness. HSR projects frequently encounter construction cost overruns and overestimations of travel demand. France is no exception, although its geographic and social characteristics favor HSR expansion. To analyze the specific conditions in France, this study examines key indicators related to construction costs and user impacts across the French HSR network, with additional consideration of demand implications. The analysis is structured into three phases: preliminary (project proposal), initial (start of construction), and final (operational phase). Findings reveal an average increase in construction costs of 13% from the preliminary to initial phase, followed by a further 5% increase from the initial to final phase. These cost overruns are primarily due to modifications in project plans, such as the addition of stations. Cost increases are more pronounced in recent lines, while older lines (e.g., Paris-Lyon, Paris-Lille) show minimal increases from initial estimates. The study also compares France with Italy, highlighting similarities and differences in design and construction efficiency. The findings provide valuable insights into the expertise and project management capacity of HSR authorities in both countries. In Italy, persistent cost overruns reflect issues in cost forecasting rather than unforeseen events, suggesting that a more rigorous preliminary assessment could lead to more accurate forecasting and smoother project delivery. The French example demonstrates that such an approach is feasible and may reduce stakeholder conflicts.

The planned implementation of the high-speed railway (from now on, the HSR) in the Czech Republic is causing extensive discussions in society. These are mainly concerned with its necessity and future usability. A political point of view is often added to this. Experiences from countries where the construction and operation of HSR were pushed mainly by political motives caused unfavourable developments in its construction and operation. The visible manifestation of this main motive can be associated with increasing investment costs, delays in the entire implementation of the HSR, public resistance etc. It is, therefore, proven that the involvement of the economic dimension is also a necessary element for decision-making. The model of traffic service is often used as the basis for evaluating effectiveness. It includes assessing the level of connection between municipalities, the reduction of commuting times and associated savings, changes in migration flows, or the extent of the use of alternative personal transport. Even in this case, it would be desirable to stop at the question of whether even this evaluation is sufficient. The above assessment, for example, does not consider the socio-economic dimension for the construction and operation of HSR. The article will, therefore, focus on evaluating the results of the research of these wider economic impacts of the implementation of the HSR, which is currently being carried out. This research uses economic and transportation data to help assess the economic implications of HSR beyond the direct effects on users. The article will aim to point out possible developments through examples from Czech regions and relevant regional cities. The practical impact could be a discussion about the preparedness of individual areas for new opportunities and threats related to HSR.

Evaluating environmental sustainability and climate change impacts, particularly concerning the lifespan of high-speed railway (HSR) infrastructure, poses notable challenges for traditional cost–benefit analysis (CBA). Recent methodologies provide guidance on adapting CBA to address these complex issues more effectively. A briefing from the European Environment Agency (EEA) highlights the importance of a thorough understanding of the trade-offs in climate adaptation strategies, as the European Union faces increasing financial impacts from extreme weather events. This study identifies gaps in conventional CBA guidelines for HSR, suggesting alternative discount rate scenarios for decision-makers that incorporate long-term perspectives. Approaches such as variable discount rates for environmental impacts and explicit consideration of intergenerational effects offer ways to refine CBA for infrastructure projects. By re-examining current CBAs, this research illustrates how the analysis can evolve to meet the growing demands of sustainable, resilient infrastructure planning.