Abstract
This paper is aiming at qualifying the high speed trains in operation in France, with regards to spatial equity. To that end we begin by examining some of the various concepts enclosed in this polysemic word. Increased accessibility was one objective of the development of high speed rail. Thus we estimate a simple model to measure the possible effect of high speed rail on French regions. We did find a positive effect on GDP per capita and demographic growth. In a sense this is because they are growth-promoting that High speed lines are unfair. Beyond that, the pricing system set up by the train operator is based on yield management and intermodal competition. This results in a peculiar and singularly unfair pricing structure.
Highlights
Transport improvements are growth enhancing, they are probably unfair
There is no reason to suppose that High Speed Rail (HSR) is an exception
This paper aims to study HSR in France, in relation to spatial equity
Summary
Transport improvements are growth enhancing, they are probably unfair This is evidenced by a number of effects. Transport improvements often result in extraordinary privileges for some places, such as airports, stations, and ports. They can, be considered unfair from the point of view of the places which do not receive these privileges (users and non-users in the terms employed by Vickerman, 1997). Transport improvements almost always have some negative impacts: pollution, noise, severance effects and so on. It follows that the “winners” and the “losers” do not share the same location. There is no reason to suppose that High Speed Trains (HSTs) should be an exception
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