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Efficiency and Spatial Equity Impacts of High-Speed Rail on the Central Plains Economic Region of China

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  • Xiaomin Wang

    (Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

  • Wenxin Zhang

    (Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

Abstract

Efficiency impacts can be assessed based on improvements in accessibility promoted by the high-speed rail (HSR) project, focusing mainly on major urban areas. Spatial equity impacts originate from changes in the distribution of accessibility levels observed across such cities. This study uses the weighted average travel time and coefficient of variation to explore the impact of HSR on efficiency and spatial equity within the Central Plains Economic Region (CPER) and to build an “efficiency-equity” model to identify optimal upgrading of conventional rail (CR) lines to improve the accessibility of the CPER and mitigate regional disparities. The results indicate that since the operation of HSR, accessibility levels across the CPER have improved by roughly 24.56%, and the spatial distribution of gains has been uneven since the most significant improvements have occurred in HSR cities and large cities. Inequality in regional accessibility has increased by 28.12%, creating a more heterogeneous pattern of accessibility. With goals of “efficiency” and “equity”, an examination of the upgrading of CR as an approach shows that “Xinxiang-Jiaozuo” and “Xinxiang-Jiaozuo-Sanmenxia-Yuncheng” are the best upgraded lines for improving the efficiency of the CPER and limiting regional disparities. The results of this study serve as supportive information for the planning and construction of HSR lines and networks and for underdeveloped regional transport system policymaking.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaomin Wang & Wenxin Zhang, 2019. "Efficiency and Spatial Equity Impacts of High-Speed Rail on the Central Plains Economic Region of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:9:p:2583-:d:228315
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    3. Haining Luo & Yongsheng Qian & Junwei Zeng & Xuting Wei & Xiaoping Guang, 2022. "An Empirical Analysis of Logistics Corridors and Regional Economic Spatial Patterns from the Perspective of Compressive Transportation between Urban Agglomerations," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-15, May.
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    7. Bruzzone, Francesco & Cavallaro, Federico & Nocera, Silvio, 2023. "The effects of high-speed rail on accessibility and equity: Evidence from the Turin-Lyon case-study," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).

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