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Changes in levels of use of various means of transportation and the future
of transportation services: Aiming to balance the use of public transportation
and private passenger cars
1. Changes in levels of use of various means of transportation
In reviewing trends in use of means of transportation since the late 1960's,
it is found that in the passenger transportation sector the proportion of use
of private passenger cars shows a sharp increase with the development of motorization
in society. In the cargo transportation sector, the proportion of use of trucks
also shows a considerable increase.
Even though individual ownership of a number of motor vehicles has increased
along with their increased use, the rate of increase has slowed in recent years,
indicating that the motorized society has been maturing. Also, it is observed
that the public's interest in the use of automobiles is changing, as indicated
by the large share of people who consider it necessary to reach a better balance
between use of public transportation and use of private cars.
2. Problems generated by changes in use of transportation
In accordance with the increasing use of motor vehicles, many problems have
arisen, such as worsening traffic congestion, increases in road accidents, global
warming caused by carbon dioxide, energy consumption on a large scale, labor
shortages in the truck transportation industry, and difficulties in assuring
adequate transportation for residents in rural areas to carry on their daily
lives.
Problems are also increasing in the public transportation sector, problems
such as congestion on trains during rush hours in large cities, confusion of
traffic at major transportation facilities in large metropolitan areas, such
as the Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokyo International Airport and Osaka International
Airport, and difficulty in assuring mobility of aged or handicapped persons,
etc.
3. Transportation services in the future
(1) Basic policy for development of transportation services
In order to meet the needs of users, it is desirable to make public transportation
more attractive for users so as to encourage a shift from private passenger
cars to public transportation. Also, in the cargo transport sector it is desirable
to make improvements to make railway and coastwise shipping more usable.
(2) Improvement of public transportation facilities to make them more attractive
and provide more efficient transportation service
In accordance with the needs of users and to address social concerns, policies
to improve public transportation facilities to make them more attractive and
more efficient, will be implemented through expansion of facilities for urban
railway service. Examples are: improving subways, strengthening bus and taxi
services, developing inter-region high-speed transportation, upgrading the convenience
and comfort of the various modes of transportation, improving and expanding
facilities/vehicles for use by elderly/physically handicapped persons, and securing
adequate transportation to meet the daily needs of people in rural areas. In
addition, cargo transportation efficiency will be improved through promotion
of shifts in use of different modes of transport, etc.
(3) Measures to be applied to motor vehicles for environmental control and safety
Policies will be implemented to reduce the impact of motor vehicles on the
environment and to promote motor vehicle safety.
(4) Public cooperation and support at the national and local levels
It is necessary to have public consensus at the national and local levels
in order to obtain cooperation and to share the burden in developing policies
for construction of public transportation facilities and for expansion of transportation
services.
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