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World's safest and efficient mass transport cobweb

From Kagoshima to Hakodate, Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains draw commutation excellence From Kagoshima to Hakodate, Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains draw commutation excellence

Japan has one of the most efficient and technology-driven commutation systems in the world. The beauty of the transportation is that the?   entire scientific invention is local in essence. From the Shinkansen, the bullet train, to the world's most deeply laid Metro train network, Japan caters to the growing needs of the future without a blink. The island-nation state is connected to a cobweb of trains, ferries, subways, buses and last but not the least airways. The only other country that matches up to Japan's versatile public transportation network is Australia.
Transport in Japan is modern, highly-developed, and that too with a state-of-the-art technology. The transport sector stands out for its energy efficiency, which is one of the most competitive and consumer-friendly. Owing to technology at work, it uses less energy per person compared to other countries.
All the four islands, namely Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu are well-connected, and have a secure and reliable 24/7 transportation module. Moreover, there are around 175 airports, both local and international, with Haneda Airport being the Asia's busiest. Likewise, the largest international gateways are Narita International Airport (Tokyo), Kansai International Airport (Osaka/Kobe/Kyoto), and Chübu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya). Japan is one of the richest in the region in terms of maritime activities with more than 1,000 ports, and Nagoya Port serves as the gem in the crown of navigation.
Japan's commutation excellence is its train network. Railways are a major means of passenger transport, especially for mass and high-speed transport between major cities and for commuter transport in metropolitan areas. The three categories of trains include: Shinkansen, the famous bullet train that is known worldwide for its speed, comfort and secureness. So are the JR trains. The former national railway company is divided into regional entities, which each manage their own networks. Last but not the least, are the private lines, which are in abundance and quite competitive.
Likewise, all major Japanese cities have their own urban subway lines, which are preferred over buses, cars and other private means of communication. Their credentials are punctuality, safety and reliable connectivity.  It is said more than 70 per cent of Tokyo, Osaka and other metropolitan residents love to hop on to subway than take a road detour.
Nonetheless, Japan's pride and identity in rapid transportation is the Shinkansen. These high-speed rail-trains run across Japan and have a rail network that spans 2,387 km, comprising of eight lines from Kagoshima to Hakodate. The world's unique and safest-to-day Shinkansen - with no accidents in 50 years - is estimated to cater to 10 billion passengers in its lifetime. More than 1,100 journeys are made by Shinkansen, which operate at a maximum speed of 320 km/h (200 mph).
Total railways of 27,182 km include several track gauges, the most common of which is 1,067 mm (3 ft 6-in) narrow gauge, with 22,301 km of track of which 15,222 km is electrified. Fukuoka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, and Yokohama have their own respective subway systems.
- mehkri@khaleejtimes.com