Improving speed and frequency in the European rail system: Impact on accessibility and welfare

The report addresses passenger rail transport and its main purpose is to evaluate if and to what extent, reductions of the travel times or increases in train frequency in the European Railway System may lead to an increase in accessibility for users and a reduction of costs, resulting in an increase of consumer's surplus. Various scenarios considered. Two scenarios simulating increases of all speed to 90 km/h and 200km/h, one scenario assuming a decrease to 45 km/h and a scenario of increasing train frequency by 20% have been tested. The results provide insight into which parts of the rail network can provide higher benefits to the users through the improvement of quality of service.