Case studies are presented of high speed rail development transport markets and appraisal processes in the UK and five countries that have investedsignificantly in high speed rail (France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Japan) and one that not (Australia). The market for high speed rail is considered and areas where the market is strong are identified and compared for different countries. The costs of high speed rail in different countries arecompared. High speed rail construction costs in other countries were 30-70% lower than those estimated for a new line in the UK. Reasons for the variations in costs are considered: higher factor costs, differences caused by regulations, differences caused by processes, project over-specification, possession costs, and professional staff costs. All of the European countries studied except Italy require detailed economic appraisals, including cost benefit analysis, prior to the approval of a major transport project, but the application of cost benefit analysis varies between the countries. Recommendations are made for appraisals in the UK. For the covering entry of this conference please see ITRD E132365
Abstract