The modal split of passenger transport has significantly shifted to railway in the Tokyo metropolitan area, however, besides the purpose of commuting, the automobile is the main mode and a higher share is predicted in the future in spite of the high density of railway travel. Many road projects are planned in the Tokyo area, but there are so many difficulties in starting each project, such as public acceptance, financial resources, environmental impact and so forth. These negative elements as well as postive ones are discussed. Japanese Ministry of Construction and OECD/Road Transport Research Programme held the seminar on "future road transport systems and infrastructures in urban areas" in Chiba, Japan on 4th - 6th June 1991 sponsored by the Japanese organizing committee.
Abstract