## [Reinforcing safety measures in the transportation sector]

☐ Reinforcing safety measures in public transportation

Human error has been pointed to as a factor in a large number of accidents and other trouble in the public transportation sector, including the West Japan Railway Fukuchiyama Line derailment and problems in the aviation sector. New directions for policy were indicated at the "Review Committee Meeting on Measures to Prevent Accidents by Human Error in Public Transportation" held in response to this issue. These include the construction of a safety management framework (safety management posture) in a concerted effort from top management on down to the operational level, as well as the necessity of implementing a structure for "safety management assessment" wherein the central government checks organizations' safety management postures.

MLIT submitted the “Bill to Partially Reform Railway Operators to Improve Transport Safety” at the 164th session of the Diet, hoping to see transport safety improvement policies like those mentioned above take shape.

## ○ Railway/tracks traffic

MLIT conducts safety audits for railway/tracks operators in relation to the maintenance of facilities and rolling stock, as well as driving and other operations. The ministry is also taking other steps, including the review and implementation of measures in response to shinkansen derailments caused by the Mid Niigata Prefecture Earthquake, the promotion of safety improvement measures in the aftermath of the West Japan Railway Fukuchiyama Line derailment, and the reinforcement of measures to prevent accidents at highway-railroad grade crossings.

## ☐ Maritime transport

During 2005, MLIT supported the government in revising domestic laws associated with the revision of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS Convention). MLIT is committed to improving the safety of vessels themselves as well as navigation safety. To this end, the ministry is taking a number of steps, including: strict implementation of Port State Control (PSC); development of next-generation navigation support systems that take advantage of the Automatic Identification System (AIS). In addition, MLIT strives to improve rescue preparedness with the deployment of mobile rescue technicians. Furthermore, the ministry is committed to studying the causes of and prevention of maritime distress.

## ☐ Air traffic

In light of conspicuous safety problems attributable to human error and equipment malfunction in the aviation industry, MLIT has issued a business improvement order to the Japan Airlines Group. The ministry is also promoting safety measures such as strengthening airline monitoring and supervision through the introduction of unannounced on-site inspections. In addition, MLIT has been working on the development of the future air navigation systems aimed at meeting the current and future air traffic demands by utilizing new technologies, such as satellite navigation and datalink, to increase the capacity of airspace and en-route. An airspace restructuring plan known as "Sky Highway Program" is one of the implementation plans of such future air navigation systems.

Future air navigation systems

MTSAT (Multi-functional Transport Satellite) $ ^{*} $

$ ^{*} $ MTSAT: a single satellite that has both the functions of the former geostationary meteorological satellite “Himawari” and aeronautical safety functions.

## (Functions)

• Control communication and the locating of aircraft from the ground with the help of satellites

• Reinforcement of GPS (Benefits)

• Significantly reduces separation in oceanic airspaces

• Allows for flexible flight routes

• Improves aeronautical safety services at low altitudes and in mountainous areas