Abstract
General claims currently being put forward for the likely economic development benefits of high-speed rail (HSR) are systematically disaggregated into more specific areas of impact. Evidence for each is sought from previous studies and in working HSR systems elsewhere. Findings should give some perspective on the likely scales, probabilities, and contingent conditions that need to be taken into account when planners, policymakers, and legislators are considering similar arguments for their own particular cases. This information should allow officials to deal more effectively and realistically with any requests for public financial support for private HSR projects made on the basis of these expected wider social and economic benefits.
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