Work

A planning history of high-speed rail in Italy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The paper examines the planning history of the Italian high-speed rail (HSR) network through three main perspectives: the distinction between service-driven and infrastructure-driven planning paradigms, the characteristics of infrastructure megaprojects, and the debates surrounding core and periphery regions. It divides this planning history into four key phases spanning nearly four decades, each marked by shifts in governance and planning philosophy. The paper evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each phase, focusing not only on outcomes but also on the coherence of planning efforts. The Italian case serves as a basis for a broader discussion on the challenges of infrastructure-centered planning in rail transport.

Source: Journal of Public Transportation

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubtr.2025.100126

Authors: Marco Chitti, Paolo Beria

Institutions: New York University, Politecnico di Milano

Language: English

Topic: transportation and logistics systems

Subfield: Transportation

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,110