![[Fig .44]](image/1993_p2_chap06_fig44.jpg){kind=link}
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Even though automobiles are an essential means of transportation for people
and constitute an essential element of the distribution system in modern society,
they cause problems in daily life such as road congestion, traffic accidents
and environmental pollution. Further efforts to realize a "automobile society
which is safe and harmonized with environment" are required even with the present
serious economic difficulties.
1. Looking toward safer automobiles
Safety standards for automobiles are reviewed corresponding to the traffic
condition by the Comprehensive Traffic Accident Analysis Center. Also, research
to develop advanced safe automobiles in the beginning of the next century will
be carried out. In June 1993, responding to recent improvement of performance
of the automobile, the Council for Transport Technology submitted a report entitled
"Inspection and Maintenance Checks for Automobiles in the Future", which contents
include abolition of obligation of 6-months check on private car, and allowance
of periodical check and maintenance work executed before or after the inspection,
and necessary measures will be taken in accordance with the report to attain
further development of sound automobile society.
2. Developing a balanced role for automobiles in society
The Ministry will seek to develop a more efficient transport system by encouraging
shifts in transportation patterns and consolidated service by trucks of common
carriers and raising passenger demand for bus service. Also, regulations on
types of automobiles based on the so-called "NOx low" were implemented in December
1993, as a countermeasure against emission of nitrogen oxide in large cities.
In addition, the Ministry is pursuing policies to provide tax preferences and
other supporting measures to enhance the development and spread of low-pollution
automobiles. Control of exhaust gas emission will be gradually strengthened,
and efforts to improve fuel efficiency will be made to contribute to the restraint
of global warming.[Fig .44]
1. Buses
Even though the bus transport business continues to face difficult management
conditions due to decreasing numbers of passengers, buses are still the most
useful means of transport. Enhancement of the use of public buses in large cities
is considered an important way to contribute to smoother traffic flow. Therefore,
police departments, administrators of roads and local public institutions are
cooperating in implementing measures such as providing bus lanes.
Also, the Ministry issues guidance to industry managers to improve bus transport
services. The Ministry provides subsidies to stimulate bus use and enhance demand
to make bus service more convenient for users. For local buses, guidance is
issued to stimulate autonomous operations to secure transportation in local
areas, while necessary support is provided. In FY1992, about 10.7 billion yen
in subsidies were disbursed from the national treasury.
2. Taxis
Demand for taxis has diversified owing to the recent trend of diversification
of values, and operators of taxi businesses must create and offer diversified
services. In June 1992, the Extraordinary Committee for Reform of the Administrative
Structure indicated that the regulation of this business should be reexamined.
Considering these circumstances, the Transport Council submitted a report entitled
"The Future of the Taxi Business," the deregulation in Tokyo and Osaka and other
policies will be progressively implemented in accordance with the proposals
in the report.
3. Other transport services
With regard to newly developed businesses such as maintenance services for
private cars and chauffeur services, details of these businesses will be studied,
and steps will be taken to realize services which respond to real needs and
to establish an orderly transport system.
4. Trucks
Even though the truck transport plays an important role in people's daily
lives and in economic activities, it has inherent problems such as increasing
air pollution. Hence, it is necessary to consider deregulation of controls on
automobile specifications, such as limitations on the total weight of a vehicle,
and also to enhance consolidated cargo transportation for the purpose of improving
transport efficiency and reducing the number of trucks on the road.
Policies aimed at realizing structural improvements have been implemented
in accordance with the ordinance on acceleration of modernization for small
and medium-size companies. It is intended that further programs of structural
improvement from FY1993 will be implemented to cope with environmental problems
mainly in response to social needs.
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