Costs and Benefits of High Speed Rail Integration in Europe

Abstract

Undertakings aiming at integration in the high speed rail sector require capital-intensive and time-consuming investments in infrastructure, modern rail traffic managements systems, or ICT technologies supporting the process of booking and selling tickets. It also requires covering the expenses related to the process of preparation and management of contracts and agreements. This chapter attempts to identify and quantify the costs and benefits of integration projects undertaken in the field of high speed passenger transport in Europe. Cost–benefit analysis, including external cost and benefits, is essential for assessing the effectiveness of investment and it is especially important in the case of investments financed with the use of public funds.