The European High-Speed Train and urban development. Experiences in fourteen European urban regions

The European high-speed train and urban development

In May 1997, the Eurocities Working Group for High-Speed Train (HST) matters completed an investigation into the urban implications of HST integration. The aim was to study and exchange information about interactions between high-speed train stations and the spatial-economic development of urban regions. Main elements of the study are the strategic dimension of the HST integration, the configuration of the station-areas and secondary transport, and urban planning and development.

This book contains the results of the research. After a theoretical introduction, the main body of the text continues with 14 case studies of metropolitan regions. The cities covered are: Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brno, Brussels, Cologne, Geneva, Liège, Lille, Lyon, Marseilles, Nantes, Rotterdam, Strasbourg and Turin. In drawing final conclusions, the authors look at the themes of accessibility, economic potential, quality of life, spatial distribution of activities and the social distribution of the effects of HST systems. It also includes background information on the 14 participating cities as annexes. The information has been gathered through a mixture of desk research, notably monographs written by each of the cities on the integration of HST, and interviews.

The book is very clearly laid out and easily read. It includes a number of figures, tables and background information to enable the reader to place the case studies in context.