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Even though society has reached a mature level of motorized society, it
is projected that the volume of motor vehicle transportation will continue to
increase in the future. On the other hand, increases in motor vehicle transportation
mitigate the auto's mobility and convenience advantages and at the same time
generate increased traffic accidents, environmental pollution and energy consumption.
Road congestion is becoming critical, not only in large cities but also in main
local cities and other local cities.
Such increases in the volume of motor vehicle transportation are deemed
to be common throughout the world. In some countries, the lack of alternate
means of transportation to diffuse demand for transportation other than motor
vehicles causes chronic road congestion, and as a consequence achieving sustainable
urban development is becoming very difficult. Some countries are implementing
compulsory direct controls such as regulations on entry of automobiles into
specific areas or collecting tolls.
Fortunately, in Japan, motor vehicle transport has been developed in conjunction
with considerable development of public transportation, and efficient use of
available public transportation has always been possible.
It is concluded in this report that, as revealed in the report on the questionnaire
survey, the desirable direction for progress in Japan is to attain well balanced
development of public transportation and private motor vehicles by making public
transportation more attractive.
It is necessary to correctly identify the increasingly sophisticated and
diversified needs of users that should be addressed to improve the attractiveness
of public transportation. However, to improve the attractiveness of public transportation
and to upgrade the service, it is necessary for the public as tax payers and
users, and for the central government and local governments to bear a share
of the cost.
It is also necessary to assess existing regulations on operation as appropriate
for the prompt response of transportation operators to take measures pertaining
to needs of users and to provide upgraded service. Therefore, the Ministry of
Transport is currently working to reduce the number of items requiring ministerial
permission or authorization by 20% in 3 years from this fiscal year.
Responding to various social needs is another important subject toward next
century which includes reducing rush-hour congestion, decentralizing the country
and providing adequate measures to address the needs of the growing population
of elderly citizens. It is necessary for public transportation entities to recognize
the social duty they bear and make appropriate efforts to address such social
needs.
To fulfill such an objective it is essential to achieve a public consensus
on cost-sharing, to attain cooperation between economic and labor concerns,
and to establish support systems provided at the central government and local
levels.
Today, realization of an enriched and affluent life is strongly desired
and it is becoming more important to provide the social capital for daily transportation.
The feeling of "richness" or "affluence" and the concept of "traffic congestion,"
"crowding on trains during rush hours" or "the problem of environment and energy"
will change with the times. Therefore, it is considered that the transportation
service is required to strive towards upgraded services with the consent and
cooperation of the people.
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