Modern means of transport at man’s service

A. All sectors of the Japanese transport system—from high-speed motorways and railways to local and international airports—are witnessing radical changes. The transport industry is addressing clients' needs and departing from post-war priorities which were aimed at establishing a transport infrastructure to assist industry and exports. Key features are travelers' comfort, a responsible attitude to environmental pollution and the guarantee of safety even in the event of natural disasters.

Translator's Decisions

1)... all sectors ... are witnessing radical changes ...

2)... key features are travelers comfort ...

B. Combating traffic build-ups on highspeed motorways

The first thing which occurs to most Japanese on hearing the words «highspeed motorway» is traffic congestion. Traffic build-ups at the exits from, and entrances to, large towns have long been a feature of super-highways.

The main means of tackling the problem is to construct more roads parallel to the existing motorways, update the roads leading to ports and airports, and build highspeed ring roads for city transport. One of the modern solutions to the problem of trafic congestion, which is currently being developed, is the use of mag­netic cards to facilitate the collection of tolls. Another technological innovation for introduction in the early 21st century is the IVHS system; this is a joint effort between the state and private sectors which employs control centres to transmit up-to-the-minute information on traffic conditions directly to vehicles. Even now «Car Navigation» systems provide some drivers with information on possible routes. (The most up-to-date of these systems makes use of satellite-transmitted signals to locate the car). And what about the future? The provision of such a cen­tralized network is the key to an effective intelligence system for controlling road traffic.

Translator's Decisions

1)... is currently being developed ...

2)... to update the roads ...

3)... up-to-the-minute information ..

C. Improvement of railway facilities and terminals for greater passenger convenience

Recent changes in the Japanese railway system have been aimed at providing trouble-free changes from trains to other forms of transport or to trains belonging to other railway companies. Efforts are also being made to raise standards of service for passengers both on trains and at stations. The updated terminals provide excellent links between trains, buses and monorails, allowing easy changes to be made from long-distance to local trains. New rail routes offer direct travel to ski-slopes, tourist resorts and theme parks. The service provided by railway companies has become versatile, helpful, and friendly. Booking office clerks help travelers plan their journeys. Customers in certain age brackets can enjoy a wide choice of trips at reduced prices during the slack season and recently introduced car + train and train + hire car travel plans allow the tourist to combine car travel with a train journey. More attention is now paid to the actual trains. Some coaches have been rebuilt and re-designed as public saloons bars, sightseeing cars. Some trains offer individual compartments, something new on Japanese trains, and entertainment facilities, for example built-in flat-tube TV' and audio equipment.

Translator's Decisions

1)...Customers in certain age brackets can enjoy a wide choice of trips ...

2)... during the slack season ...

D. Connections with air and sea transport: new freight and passenger routes

Air and sea routes are not just for internal traffic; they also form the links of an international transport chain. Japan has several projects in hand aimed at im­proving air communications; a new international airport is under construction near the city of Osaka, and local airports are being updated for international services and round-the-clock operation. Also, four national freight control centres are to be interlinked to cope with accidents and natural disasters. Airlines are cutting prices for private passengers and giving discounts for pre-booked flights.

Marine transport amounts today for 44% of the country's total freight traffic. New electronic networks (such as SHIP-NETS) have been set up to exchange information between the major seaports. Many small Japanese harbours, though, are often overburdened with work, and use of the latest technology is of paramount importance.

Translator's Decisions

1)...Japan has several projects in hand aimed at improving air communications

2)...local airports are being updated for international services ...

3)... to cope with accidents and natural disasters ...

4)... discounts for pre-booked flights ...

E. Measures for emergency situations

The major earthquake which destroyed Kobe and its surroundings in January 1995 painfully revealed the vulnerability of Japan's transport infrastructure. The former permissible strength values of physical structures during earthquakes proved unreliable. For six months following the earthquake Japanese railway companies, highspeed motorway agencies and groups responsible for the infrastructure of city transport have been seeking effective measures to be taken in the event of natural disasters. A group of ex­perts from state and industrial companies has had to outline ways of creating an infrastructure which would ensure safety in an earthquake-prone country. The group also had to work out an efficient system of measures in the event of natural disasters. In the high-speed trains on the To-kaido line, the seismo-sensitive system will automatically switch on the emergency brakes a second after the shock However, to stop the train completely may need one minute or longer, during which time it may run several kilometres while still subject to danger from damaged track supports. To check the life of physical structures and learn lessons from the Kobe earthquake a whole range of new experiments is needed.

Translator’s Decisions

1)… measures for emergency situations ...

2)... the former permissible strength values ...

3)... to stop the train completely may need one minute or longer ...