The technological revolution linked to high speed rail (HSR) has been
accompanied by myths and claims about its contribution to society and
the economy. Although HSR is unquestionably a technological advance that
has become a symbol of modernity, this review and analysis of the
international experiences shows that the conditions necessary to have a
positive impact, economically, socially and environmentally, are
enormously restrictive. The Economics and Politics of High Speed Rail:
Lessons from Experiences Abroad, by Daniel Albalate and Germà Bel,
introduces the main questions policy makers and scholars should examine
when considering and studying HSR implementation, with particular
emphasis on the US's recent interest in this technology and possible
application in California. Albalate and Bel then review the experiences
of the most significant implementations of HSR around the globe. This
in-depth international perspective includes chapters on the pioneers of
HSR (Japan and France), the European followers (Germany, Spain and
Italy), as well as Asian experiences in China, Taiwan, and Korea.
Albalate and Bel's study provides a clear distinction between the myths
and realities associated with this transportation innovation. Among the
most relevant findings, this study highlights how HSR projects that do
not satisfy highly restrictive conditions-on mobility patterns, measured
costs, and economically rational designs-that make it desirable have
been the source of huge financial debacles and the economic failure of
HSR in most cases, which result in unfortunate consequences for
taxpayers. The Economics and Politics of High Speed Rail is a rigorous
investigation of the economic and political challenges and ramifications
of implementing new public transportation technology.
