Abstract
Most high-speed rail (HSR) networks being proposed in the United States will be in a hub-and-spoke pattern. This article discusses some of the disadvantages of this system, and questions the need for a high-speed rail system at all. While a hub-and-spoke architecture benefits the hub city and offers economies of density in track usage, it is less certain that hubs will ultimately benefit economically from the introduction of HSR. Research from objective studies suggest that, although there are positive accessibility benefits in metropolitan areas served by HSR, there are negative nuisance effects such as noise and vibration along the lines. Since most people and businesses will use the high-speed trains infrequently, there will be little benefit to locating near a line. Potential (but not certain) agglomeration benefits may be the most likely benefit of HSR in the United States. However, alternatives to HSR should be considered.
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