Considering system efficiency and spatial interdependence, this study proposes an analysis
approach to study the effect of High-Speed Rail (HSR) development on regional economy, by utilizing
the development cases of the Japanese Shinkansen. The stochastic frontier analysis and spatial autoregressive
study are applied in this research. It is confirmed that the proposed approach can make
rationally accurate explorations of HSR development’s impact on regional economy. It is found that
HSR development will improve the economy of each city along HSR line, and the more the city’s
travel impedance to the nearest HSR station decreases, the more its economic progress is distinct.
However, the proportions of the contributions to regional economy from the cities originally near to
HSR stations decrease in comparison to the increase of the contribution shares of the cities which HSR
lines newly extend to.