Comprehensive Evaluation of Accessibility in China’s High-Speed Rail Network Based on the Perspective of Time, Economy, and Frequency

Abstract

The opening of high-speed rail (HSR) has a profound effect on urban and regional spatial organizations. High time–space compression can gradually reshape urban and regional spatial form, function, and development patterns. The effect of HSR on regional space is reflected by changes in accessibility. This study constructed an exploratory framework of a comprehensive accessibility evaluation consisting of dynamic changes in accessibility improvement, spatial differences of accessibility, and selection of service centers. The dynamism of urban accessibility and evolution of spatial patterns that resulted from the nine HSRs in China were investigated in this framework. Results showed that the comprehensive accessibility of HSR lines had significant differences. The comprehensive accessibility of the Beijing–Guangzhou and Beijing–Shanghai HSRs was stronger than that of other HSRs. The comprehensive accessibility of HSRs in East Central and Northeast China was stronger than that of HSRs in Northeast and West China. The results of service center selection showed that the service center intensities in Shanghai and three other cities were at the top of the 100 cities. Therefore, the change in comprehensive accessibility of the nine HSRs demonstrated obvious regional differentiation tendencies. Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen were the national service centers of HSR accessibility with the other great regional and regional service centers, thereby forming spatial patterns of multiple service centers.