Sociology and Anthropology Vol. 8(5), pp. 143 - 158
DOI: 10.13189/sa.2020.080501
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Spatial Equity and High Speed Trains: The Example of France

Dominique Bouf ¹, Christian Desmaris ^2,*
1 Laboratory Development Economy Transport (LAET), National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), France
² Institute of Political Studies (IEP), University of Lyon, France

ABSTRACT

Although transport improvements are growth enhancing, they are probably unfair. There is no reason to suppose that High Speed Rail (HSR) is an exception. Given the context, the question of the equity of HSTs has once more taken centre stage. This paper aims to study HSR in France, in relation to spatial equity. In addition, we shall attempt to evaluate the different components of the railway system, which include infrastructure funding and pricing. We begin by examining some of the various concepts enclosed in the polysemic word "equity". Increased accessibility was one of the reasons for the development of HSR. We estimate a simple model to measure the possible effect of HSR on French regions. We found a positive effect on GDP per capita and demographic growth for regions with HSR, except for the Paris region. Thus, HSR could be considered unfair. In addition to this, the pricing system implemented by the operator, based on yield management and intermodal competition, produces a peculiar and singularly unfair pricing structure. Concerning the funding of HSL, the impacts on equity depend on the line in question. Our contribution addresses the question of the spatial equity of HSR, left aside at that time. We shall apply the concepts identified by Hay in order to analyse the French case. This approach might be helpful for China, a country with large income disparities and a clear need for an environmentally friendly inter-city transport policy, but also for some European HSR networks or East Asian countries with a capital city where a large proportion of the population is concentrated.

KEYWORDS
High-speed Trains, Spatial Equity, Regional Development, French Regions, Pricing, Funding

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Dominique Bouf , Christian Desmaris , "Spatial Equity and High Speed Trains: The Example of France," Sociology and Anthropology, Vol. 8, No. 5, pp. 143 - 158, 2020. DOI: 10.13189/sa.2020.080501.

(b). APA Format:
Dominique Bouf , Christian Desmaris (2020). Spatial Equity and High Speed Trains: The Example of France. Sociology and Anthropology, 8(5), 143 - 158. DOI: 10.13189/sa.2020.080501.