Note1: “The elimination of differences in floor levels” has been evaluated in terms of compliance with Article 4 of the standard concerning the promotion of smooth transportation by public transport pursuant to the New barrier-free Act (including the width of passages, slopes, and the installation of elevators and escalators)

Note2: Airport passenger facilities already met all the standards in terms of slopes, and the installation of elevators and escalators for the handicapped, as of the end of March 2001.

## Chapter 6: Building a Safe and Peaceful Society

## (1) Realizing a universal society

## ○ Realization of barrier-free features based on the concept of universal design

Following the enforcement of the Act on Promotion of Smooth Transportation, etc. of Elderly Persons, Disabled Persons, etc. (New barrier-free act) in December 2006 the ministry is promoting universal design in Japanese society, by pushing forward the incorporation of more barrier-free features into public transport facilities, living and residential environments and pedestrian space, through improvement in terms of both equipment and facilities as well as know-how and expertise.

Incorporation of barrier-free features into public transport facilities

☐ Passenger facilities used by more than 5,000 passengers a day

Total number of facilities	Facilities meeting the smooth transportation standards in terms of elimination of differences in floor levels	Percentage of total
Railway stations	2,797	1,881	67.3%
Bus stops	40	31	77.5%
Passenger ship terminals	9	8	88.9%
Airport passenger facilities	21	16	76.2% (100%)*2

As of March 31, 2008

○ Vehicles
Total number of vehicles, ships, and aircraft	Number of vehicles, ships and aircraft meeting the smooth transportation standards*	Percentage of total
Railway vehicle	52,476	13,896	26.5%
Bus	60,252
Low-floor bus	22,578	37.5%
Non-step bus	12,216	20.3%
Welfare taxi vehicle	10,514	-
Passenger ship	932	131	14.1%
Aircraft	504	302	59.9%

Note: “The number of vehicles, ships and aircrafts meeting the smooth transportation standards” has been evaluated in terms of compliance with the standard concerning the promotion of smooth transportation by public transport.

Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

## ○ Society with fewer children and creation of environments for raising children

In order to support those who are seeking a balance between work and child-raising experiences, the ministry supports newly-married couples and households raising small children so that they can easily secure proper housing. It also pushes forward the popularization of telework, and promotes transport services for child support. In addition, in order to create environments where children can grow up easily and safely, the ministry proceeds with measures to secure safety and peace of mind for park users, including children.

## ○ Response to an aging society

MLIT ensures stability in housing for the elderly, and creates and improves living conditions under which the elderly can safely and comfortably live, in collaboration with welfare policies. The ministry also works for providing transport services suited to an aging society. For example, the revised Road Transportation Act was enforced in October 2006, to establish a registration system allowing NPOs and other entities to provide paid transport services for welfare purposes and for elderly people in under populated areas.

## (2) Measures against natural disasters

The extremely severe natural conditions in terms of Japan’s land features, geological conditions and climates render the protection of life and assets from natural disasters a fundamental challenge. Accordingly, MLIT is committed to integrated structural improvements and non-structural measures, including: food control measures, such as provisions to mitigate damage in case of floods; measures against flood disasters in urban areas involving entire communities as the basis; measures against sediment related disasters; measures against earthquakes by enhancing the quake resistance of housing and buildings; urgent improvement measures for built-up areas to enhance quake resistance; measures against tsunamis, storm surges, and coastal erosion; measures against avalanches; and erosion and sediment control work in volcanic areas.