 |
 |
 |
Both domestic and international freight transport moved at a steady pace
in FY1977, and international passenger transport went well, but domestic transport
moved sideways. (See Table 1.)
In FY1977, domestic freight transport, closely related to production activities,
showed almost the same movement as production and shipments in mining and manufacturing;
it rose 3.6% in terms of ton-kilometers over the preceding year. It is noteworthy
that among other transport modes, common truck carriers enjoyed a steady business
in each quarter of the year.
Domestic passenger transport is closely related to real personal consumption
expenditures. Real personal consumption expenditures in FY1977 rose 3.7% over
the 4.4% increase recorded in the preceding year, showing a sluggish growth
compared with a real GNP growth of 5.5%. Reflecting this, domestic passenger
transport moved sideways with a small increase (0.2%) over the preceding year.
By type of transportation, Japanese National Railways declined in the first
half of FY1977, but firmed up in the second half. Bus and air transport were
generally in favorable conditions.
In FY1977, the overall Japanese balance (IMF system) showed a surplus of
$12,145 million, or 1.5 times the highest figure recorded in FY1971.
The balance figure, services, and transfers, all related to transportation,
were deficit in all sectors - shipping, aviation, and tourism - showing a total
deficit of $4,200 million, slightly worse than the preceding year.
|
|
|