High-Speed Rail for Freight: Potential Developments and Impacts on Urban Dynamics

Mathieu Strale

doi:10.2174/1874447801610010057

Abstract

At present, high-speed rail is used only as a mode of passenger transport. Yet, the acceleration of logistics and freight transport flows could be compatible with high-speed rail capabilities. This article examines the experiences, literature and prospects of high-speed rail for freight. It uses three hypotheses to evaluate the development of freight high-speed rail services in Europe. The article concludes by describing the potential impacts on urban dynamics. It appears that the potential of freight high-speed rail services is limited in Europe, because of logistical constraints and network capabilities. Nevertheless, policies followed in Europe may change the situation.

Highlights

The development of high-speed rail (HSR) services raises the question of its potential use for freight transport
Our analysis is based on two questions: Why are there so few freight HSR services? If HSR was used for freight, what could be the dynamics on urban spaces?
These are retail distribution, with the distinction among independent retailers, chain stores and supermarkets, tertiary activities logistics and e-commerce. It appears that the only adapted logistics chains are those based on parcel distribution -- e-commerce and mail services. These are light and small goods that may be carried in High-speed trains (HST) and that must be transported rapidly to their client, which is a potential advantage of HSR

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The development of high-speed rail (HSR) services raises the question of its potential use for freight transport. It appears that the only adapted logistics chains are those based on parcel distribution -- e-commerce and mail services These are light and small goods that may be carried in HST and that must be transported rapidly to their client, which is a potential advantage of HSR. There are two potential patterns for developing HSR services (Fig. 3): The replacement of short-haul flights by HSR when airports are linked by existing HSL This is the Eurocarex scheme; HSR can be the last distribution transport mean, in combination with air services. Our analysis demonstrates the need to attract these new clients in order to make such a project profitable Another possibility is extending the range of the service, connecting all the airports located in cities already linked with HSL. The analysis is based on the same hypothesis as the previous one: replacing all airfreight between connected airports by HSR services

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Findings

DISCUSSION