SECTION 2. MAKlNG ACTIVE OF THE MOTOR-CARRIER BUSlNESS
1 Bus
Bus transportation is an important means of transport in the everyday life
of citizens, and as it answers the need for energy conservation, environmental
protection and smoother city traffic, buses must be made attractive to private
vehicle users.
In large cities, central level bus-activating communication-associations comprised
of concerned parties and the bus-activating committees of each prefecture, city
etc. can be used to promote the various measures aimed at realizing a better driving
environment for buses. And by utilizing subsidies such as the bus-activating system
development fees, the improvement of bus transport services can be implemented.
As for local buses, although they are facing harsh conditions, by giving grants
on the preconditions of management improvement and independent management guidance,
efforts will be made to support the bus companies. (Table
8)
2 Taxi
Omni-taxi in response to late night city transportation demands, wagon-taxis
for airport passenger needs etc. are some of the services implemented in response
to diversifying and more sophisticated user needs. Also the fare system is also
being diversified to offer discounts for the handicapped and aged. Based on the
diversifying user needs, scarcity of labor and other changes in the social environment
and the Special Administrative Reform Council report, the Council for transport
policy is considering how the taxi industry should respond to changes in the economy
in fufure, what kind of regulations to implement, how enough manpower can be acquired,
etc.
3 Other Transportation Services
Provising proper guidance to recently expanding businesses such as private
car management and driver companies should be conducted with the view to consumer
protection.
4 Trucks
There is a dynamic approach towards relaxing total vehicle weight and other
restrictions, devising a policy for the promotion of consolidated service, among
other efficiency improving measures, and the modernization of truck transport
by devising structural reform plans relating to small and medium size businesses
and the utilization of the transport business promotion assistance subsidy grant.
