Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
ITS uses information technology to provide integrated traffic services. The system will (l) provide advanced navigation systems, (2) Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems for toll roads, (3) support safe driving, (4) optimize traffic control, (5) improve the efficiency of road management, (6) support public transportation, (7) assist efficient cargo collection / delivery by commercial vehicles, (8) protect pedestrians, and (9) aid the operation of emergency vehicles. ITS is also expected to contribute to the protection of the environment by reducing traffic congestion and smoothing out traffic flow. The basic concept of ITS was defined by the National Police Agency, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, and the Ministry of Construction in a report recommending the development of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) released in July 1996.
Railway Technical Research Institute
The Railway Technical Research Institute was established in December 1986. It amalgamated the old Railway Technical Research Institute, the Railway Labor Science Institute, and other institutes when Japan National Railway was divided and privatized in April 1987. The Institute conducts R&D on (1) the superconducting magnetic levitation railway system, (2) technologies required to speed up existing railway systems, including environmental measures, (3) railway cars with adjustable track gauge, (4) improved maintenance technologies, (5) system for preventing damage from natural disasters such as earthquakes and torrential rain, (6) safe railway operation system incorporating e.g. a mechanism to prevent human error, and (7) next generation automatic wicket system at train stations, using IC cards. As of April 1997, the Institute employs 579 people, including 52 Ph.D. degree holders and 68 technicians. It holds 1741 patents and has 256 utility models rights.
