THE CASE FOR A PANEUROPEAN HIGH-SPEED NETWORK

The author discusses the suitability of Europe for a high-speed rail network. The history of plans for such a system is traced beginning with the request for an examination of the concept in 1985 by the European Council of Ministers. Objectives are outlined and the effect of changing political trends in Central and Eastern Europe are considered. The geography of Europe as a whole is considered and its suitability for fast rail transport assessed. Physical obstacles in the way of such a network are described, in particular, those of Central and Eastern Europe. The European Community's Master Plan for a pan-European high- speed rail network and additional proposals to Scandinavia and Eastern Europe are outlined. The role of the proposals as part of the plan to unite Europe are discussed. Problems which may hinder progress are identified including the speed at which different economies and modernisation will progress and the availability of funds. This paper was presented at the EURAILSPEED 92 conference held in Brussels, April 27-29, 1992. For the covering abstract see IRRD 853180.