Development impacts of high-speed rail: French experience and Chinese implications

Abstract

This paper examines the development impacts of French TGV and analyzes its implications for China. It first provides the research background and introduces the relevance of European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) to the theme of China's coordinated urban and rural development and planning. The paper then reviews the most important literatures related to the development impacts of high-speed rail projects. Subsequently, the paper gives an overview of French TGV and assesses its transportation and non-transportation impacts. After briefly comparing the characteristics of China and France, the paper probes into the prospect of HSR development in China and proposes the “AAA” strategic toolbox (Agglomeration-related strategies, Access-related strategies, and Airports-related strategies) and implementation procedures to help China develop its HSR projects in a sustainable manner.