The high-speed bus (HSB) as an alternative to the high-speed rail (HSR): A conceptual approach examined through a case study

This is a conceptual paper that argues that bus services in the form of a new product, named the high-speed bus (HSB) could be an attractive alternative to investment in high-speed rail (HSR) on some corridors. A proposal by the Israeli government to build an HSR connecting Tel Aviv in the center of the country with the city of Eilat in the South is used as a case study to examine the HSB concept. Comparison between the HSR and HSB alternatives is made in general terms and with respect to investment, direct transport impacts and non-transport impacts. Not aiming to provide a full evaluation, the comparison demonstrates unequivocally that developing bus services could be a viable and superior alternative to the HSR in many circumstances.