This paper proposes a new underground freight transport system. The system was studied for coping with traffic problems in large cities like Tokyo. Recently some problems with freight transport in Japan have been: (1) severe congestion in urban roads, (2) environmental problems especially caused by large trucks, (3) shortage of truck drivers and increase of their average age, (4) energy problems, and (5) shortage of land for terminal facilities. After analyzing the characteristics of freight transport in Tokyo, it was found that goods of smaller weight increased and the frequency of their transport also increased. A proposed new underground freight transport system for Tokyo has an underground network of about 300 km in length with about 150 depots. 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