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As represented by commuting to work and school, shopping, traveling etc.,
it is not an exaggeration to say that there is no day on which we don't make
use of transportation services in one way or another. Furthermore, for the transportation
of goods which support our daily life in the form of food, clothing and shelter
are indispensable.
Also, Japan's economic growth has meant that the size of the economy and
the income levels of her citizens has reached the higher levels among nations,
which in itself has resulted in a fundamental shift in values and in the thinking
and lifestyle of the people. Demands placed upon the transportation services
are similarly becoming high level and diverse. The provision of, high quality
transportation services is expected to realize an affluent lifestyle that can
be experienced by each and every citizen.
On the other hand, however, there is an increasing manifestation of constraints
such as lack of manpower and environmental concerns that surround the transportation
services. therefore it is becoming necessary to bear a cost appropriate to what
is to be included in the improved and diversified service. Also, from the point
of view of resources and energy conservation, and the holding down cost burdens,
users are asked to become adept at making use of transportation services by
doing their best to co-operate in evening out seasonal and periodic demand,
using as much as possible efficient large scale transportation facilities such
as rail etc. It is under such circumstances that Japan has started moving towards
realizing an affluent lifestyle for all, but in reality, there is a large gap
between the wealth of the country and that experienced by individuals. This
can be seen in the overcrowding transportation services problems faced by commuters
going to work and school in the greater metropolitan areas, and there is still
much work to be done in the field of transportation.
It is thus that in part one of this report we raise five themes the transportation
sector must work at for a more affluent lifestyle, describing the situation
and the developments of government transportation policies in response to them.
These five are: (1) Easing the overcrowded commuting situation that is one of
the greatest dissatisfactions of workers in the city areas (2) advancement of
inter-regional exchange so as to invigorate regions (3) the enrichment of free
time resulting from the shortening of working hours (4) improving and diversifying
transportation services in response to various demands (5) harmony with the
environment which is essential for a truly affluent life.
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