How Covid-19 affects intercity transportation in China: high-speed rail versus air

Abstract

This graphic uses cartogram analysis to demonstrate how Covid-19 affects high-speed rail (HSR) and air networks in China. During the first round of the Covid-19 outbreak, intercity transportation networks significantly decreased their service. However, the supply of transport hubs was retained to ensure basic service coverage and efficiency. Conversely, air transportation was affected more than HSR networks. The average number of daily flights declined to 19% of the original traffic, while high-speed trains maintained their original 64%. This disparity is explained by the owners and operation of the two transportation networks and their different roles in intercity connections.