Toyota City, a major auto industry city in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is testing a car-sharing system of compact electric vehicles (EVs), with the aim of introducing a new transportation means to complement the current train and bus transportation network. The new system is expected to help promote the use of trains, reduce the number of cars in the city, improve the environment, and revitalize activities in the city.

The experiment is part of "START 21" (Smooth Traffic with Advanced Roads in Toyota City for the 21st Century), a supporting plan to revitalize the city by using Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Members share two-seater EVs nicknamed "e-com" during the trial. They reserve the vehicles by telephone in advance, then rent and return them, using an electronic IC card at designated EV depots. Five depots with 17 EVs have been set up in Toyota City.

Since starting in 2001, the test has expanded year by year. According to the survey in fiscal 2001, effects included an increase in the number of railway passengers, and city revitalization due to the increased frequency of visits to the city center. In addition, emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides were reduced by 132 kilograms and 693 grams per month, respectively.

As of December 2004, 302 individuals from the general public and 983 people employed by 35 member companies were registered. The city received positive comments from the test participants, such as "the compact vehicles are easy to drive," "it's convenient for shopping in the city area," and "it's a system that can make a social contribution to the environment."

http://www.jice.or.jp/itschiiki-e/areas/10-3toyota.html

Posted: 2005/05/16 09:50:03 PM
Japanese version

TAG Chemicals , Global warming , Local government , System/Law , Transportation