PRINCIPAL POLICIES OF THE TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT

TRANSPORTATION, WATERWORKS, AND SEWERAGE

Transportation

Toei Transportation (Transportation Bureau of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TBTMG)) is a local public enterprise operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
The TBTMG-operated Toei subway, bus, streetcar, and Nippori-Toneri Liner play an important part in the public transit network of the Greater Tokyo Area and are currently used by around 3.01 million passengers daily (fiscal 2008).
In February of 2007 the “New Challenge 2007” was formulated as the three-year management plan for fiscal years 2007–2009. As a public transportation agency supporting the lives of Tokyo’s citizens and the activities of the city, Toei Transportation is aiming to gain the public’s full trust and support.

Transportation in Tokyo

Within the 23 special-ward area, 28.25 million people use public transportation daily. Supporting the movement of these people to and from their destinations is a public transportation network that is composed of (a) Japan Railway and other private railway company lines connecting the city center with the suburbs, (b) Tokyo Metro and Toei Subways operating primarily in the ward area and (c) other familiar modes of transport such as Toei buses and streetcars, and buses operated by private companies.
Toei Transportation holds a 9.7% share of passenger transport volume within the ward area.
(Figures are based on fiscal 2006 data.)

Basic Figures of Toei Transportation (FY 2008)

Changes in Number of Daily Passengers by Modes of Toei Transportation

Toei Subway

The Toei Subway network consists of the Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku, and Oedo Lines. These four lines operate 106 stations over a distance of 109 kilometers and are used by around 2.34 million passengers daily (fiscal 2008).
All stations of the Oedo Line are equipped with elevators to facilitate passenger movement between the ground level and underground platforms. On other lines, work on barrier-free access is also proceeding with 86 of the total 106 stations (81%) achieving barrier-free status through the installation of elevators.
Passengers using wheelchairs can purchase fare tickets at specially modified machines and enter through extra-wide automatic ticket gates.
In addition, all stations along the Mita Line have moving platform gates to protect passengers from falling onto the tracks. Other passenger safety features at all subway stations include textured paving blocks, which help guide the visually impaired.

Toei Subway

Toei Bus

Servicing the ward area and parts of the Tama area, the Toei Bus system operates 139 routes with 1,456 buses and is used daily by approximately 560,000 passengers (fiscal 2008). Efforts are being made to increase passenger convenience. For example, in response to delays caused by traffic congestion, the Bus Operational Control System was introduced to inform passengers waiting at bus stops of approximate bus arrival times. Buses are installed with devices automatically assessing travel time in order to send information to display boards located at bus stops along the route. Passengers can read these display boards or download information to their computers or mobile phones. The bureau is also making efforts to increase passenger accessibility and reduce impact on the environment. A total of 1,186 low-floor buses and 77 hybrid buses are currently in operation, and strong efforts are underway to introduce bio-diesel fuel and other environmentally friendly measures.

Toei Bus

Toei Streetcar

Toei streetcars used to operate along many routes as a convenient mode of transportation for the residents of Tokyo. Today only the Arakawa Line, which runs between Minowabashi and Waseda, is in operation. There are 30 stops along the line’s 12.2-kilometer length and an average 52,000 passengers utilize it daily (fiscal 2008). This streetcar continues to operate today because residents along the line have voiced their desire for its continuance and because it is an eco-friendly form of public transportation. In fiscal 2007 new cars with a “retro” theme featuring the early Showa era (1926-1989) were introduced, and stations such as the Minowabashi station, were also renovated in this style.

Toei Streetcar (retro type)

Nippori-Toneri Liner

The Nippori-Toneri Liner is a new transportation system, which began operations on March 30, 2008. The trains run automatically under computer control on a 9.7-kilometer line connecting Nippori in Arakawa Ward with the Toneri area in Adachi Ward.

Nippori-Toneri Liner