In Japan, road traffic congestion has become a serious social problem, especially in urban areas. One solution to alleviate road traffic congestion is considered to be the implementation of a new urban transit system. Eight new transit systems and three newly developed urban monorail systems are in operation in Japan at present and more are under construction. This paper addresses the effects and profitability of the new transport systems introduced in Japan. A methodology of evaluating the benefit of time-savings by introducing a new transit system is also discussed as an example in the development of the guideway bus system. Japanese Ministry of Construction and OECD/Road Transport Research Programme held the seminar on "future roadtransport systems and infrastructures in urban areas" in Chiba, Japan on 4th - 6th June 1991 sponsored by the Japanese organizing committee.
Abstract