Effects of introduction of a water-bus system and transport policies on road traffic and the environment in urban areas

In Japan's medium/small-size cities where public transportation services are not sufficient, dependence on privately owned cars is relatively large, contributing to the chronic traffic congestion on the roads. As the global environmental problems have become increasingly serious in recent years, calls are rapidly growing for a reduction in the amount of harmful exhaust gases from automobiles. Against this background, this study aims to examine the use of a water transportation system as a way of alleviating traffic congestion in urban areas and reducing the environmental load. Such urban transport policies as staggered-time commuting by office workers and a park-and-ride system are also studied, and the effects of these measures are analyzed. As a result, when combined with staggered-time commuting and park-and-ride systems, the water-bus is very likely to make a significant improvement in the current traffic situation. We can also expect financial benefits from the shortened travel time and a reduction in environmental burdens.