## Chapter 2 Railway Traffic Safety Measures

## 1 Improving the railway traffic environment

## Upgrading operational safety devices

Based on the technical standards that were revised in the wake of the JR West Fukuchiyama Line derailment the government has continued to install ATS devices and other safety systems at curves, switches, terminuses, and other rail sections with the risk of a major accident occurring.

## Strengthening the earthquake resistance of railway structures

The nation took steps to strengthen the earthquake resistance of pillars supporting elevated tracks along sections of the bullet train route and along older commuter and express lines. In preparing for the large earthquakes that have a high probability of occurrence in the near future, authorities have urgently implemented measures to reinforce the earthquake resistance of major railway stations, which are expected to play a key role in earthquake-related operations through functioning as staging centers for the transportation of emergency personnel.

## 2 Assuring the safe operation of railways

Improving educational programs for trains crews and safety specialists; enhancing the basic competence of personnel

In ensuring that anyone wishing to be involved in driving a train (hereinafter referred to as "train operator") has the appropriate temperament and other qualities needed to perform the job competently, the government has implemented a system of exams for train operators. The government has also looked into various methods of educating train operators and of improving their occupational environments in attempting to fulfill that aim.

## I mproving the management of train operations and crews

In establishing an appropriate traffic control systems regulators have directed railway companies to take steps to establish a rapid and efficient driver command system. In terms of personnel management regulators have also directed railway companies to foster greater awareness on the importance of safety among their employees. They have also directed train companies to improve their systems of safety management by establishing procedures that enable them to closely monitor the psychological and physical condition of their crews when they start work in enabling the crews to perform their jobs competently and ensuring safe driving.

## Safety auditing of railway companies

As a means of ensuring greater safety in railway operations the government has conducted safety audits of railway operators through inspections and the provision of guidance on the operators' transport safety assurance measures, their maintenance and management of facilities and rolling stock, train operation procedures, crew training, and other areas of concern based on the Railway Business Act.

Moreover, the government has promoted the construction of safety management system that realizes a unified approach to safety being taken by the entire organization, from its top management down to its front-line workers, via the “Transport Safety Management System” established in October, 2006, and had also implemented assessments on the status with the construction and improvement of the safety management systems of a total of 279 operators by the end of December 2008.