David Levinson is one of my absolute favorite thinkers, and he has been ever since I first encountered him interviewing at the University of Iowa a million years ago. He’s penned some thoughts on HSR that you should go read:
Some thoughts on high-speed rail – part 1: Introduction – The Transportationist
Some thoughts on high-speed rail – part 2: Hubs and Spokes – The Transportationist
Some thoughts on high-speed rail – part 3: Accessibility – The Transportationist
Some thoughts on high-speed rail – part 4: Land value creation – The Transportationist