Where high-speed rail is relevant. The French case study. Chapter 4

International audienceThe chapter begins with an overview of the development of HSR in France, including its period of System growth and its recent decision to delay most additional expansions. It then turns to the relationship of mobility to economic growth and the standard of living and the apparent need for higher speed. The growing value of time is shown to be a key factor in determining the potential of HSR; however, access times, station times, and transfer times must be considered in weighing modal competitiveness. Both network design and urban and regional geography are then discussed as factors affecting the market for HSR. Finally, the chapter discusses the implications of these market factors on the demand for HSR, both in France and elsewhere