Spatial short and long-term implications and planning challenges of high-speed rail: a literature review framework for the special issue

This introduction to the Special Issue on the Spatial Implications and Planning Criteria for High-speed Rail Cities and Regions attempts to distinguish its short- and long-term impacts described in the literature, classifying them into regional and inter-urban effects, urban effects and wider economic impacts. Articles composing this Special Issue are listed at the outset and referred to in the relevant subsections. This literature review highlights the need to distinguish between short- and long-term effects and shows that cases are context-specific. Planning challenges appear at two major points: 1) during the initial planning stage that includes the route and location of stations; 2) during the development process that follows.