Discontinuous Regions: High-Speed Rail and the Limits of Traditional Governance

34 35 Globalization and the interconnectivity of the economy have magnified the role of regions, 36 restructuring social and economic relationships into networks that span increasing distances. At 37 the same time, greater attention is due to localized urban quality, as non-vehicular modes and 38 compact forms of development become critical in an environmentally conscious world. Within 39 this context, increasing interest and adoption of high-speed rail (HSR)—a mode that addresses 40 multiple scales—is unsurprising. HSR technology is used both to respond to existing trends of 41 increased interconnectivity between urban centers and to enhance economic connections within 42 regions and mega-regions. 43 HSR has the unique ability to enable long-distance commuting across discontinuous 44 regions that are far enough apart so as not to be adequately integrated by auto travel. This new 45 geography of daily experiences has important potential implications for governance and relations 46 among cities. 47 Using Portugal as a case study, this paper examines the relationship between HSR 48 development and new models of spatial organization and governance. Based on interviews with 49 national and local officials, we discuss ways in which HSR planning is changing attitudes 50 towards regional identity and urban governance, including: the integration of national entities 51 into local planning processes, the potential for new models of commuting, and the role of HSR as 52 an exogenous catalyst for regional cooperation. 53 The case study reveals how HSR can serve as a catalyst for governments to rethink 54 regional identity, intergovernmental relationships, and competitive positioning. The prospect of 55 HSR implementation raises the profile of potential intraregional complementarity and highlights 56 the importance of inter-governmental relationships. 57 58 59 60