February 23, 2011 Chairman and President Regular Interview

(Moderator)

Thank you for waiting. The 64th regular press conference is about to begin.

 

(Chairman and President)

Today we have 7 topics in total. After explaining the topics first, we would like to hear from you.

Toll revenue in January was 33,351 million yen, a decrease of 1.9% year-on-year.
By breakdown, high-speed trains were 31,201 million yen, an increase of 0.2%, and mono-owners were 2,330 million yen, a decrease of 23.8%.
On the other hand, the average number of passengers in January was 1,773,000 units, an increase of 9.0% year-on-year.
The breakdown is that the high-speed average is 1,321,000 units, an increase of 2.9%, and the high-speed is 452,000 units, a 32.1% increase.
In terms of the number of traffic, in addition to an increase due to free social experiments centering on general toll roads, industrial traffic such as large vehicles has increased compared to last year, even in toll sections such as highways. It increased by 9.0%.
On the other hand, fee income was negative compared to last year due to the impact of the free social experiment. The ETC discount amount for this month was 27.2 billion yen, a 6.3% decrease from the 29 billion yen for the same month last year.

Next is the construction situation. As previously announced, Mei-Nikan Expwy Abbreviation Mei-Nikan Expressway Nagoya-minami 12.7km between JCT and Takanee JCT will open on March 20th. At the same time as the opening of the road, the road name between the high needle JCT of Higashi-Meihan Expwy and Nagoya-nishi JCT will be changed to Mei-Nikan Expwy abbreviation Mei-Nikan Expressway. From March, we will proceed with construction to change the sign to Mei-Nikan Expressway.

Next is the usage of ETC excluding the free social experiment section. The most recent 2/4 to 2/10 compared to 1/7 to 1/13, the daily average number of vehicles increased by 3.2%, but the daily average utilization rate decreased from 89.4% to 88.8%, 0.6%. I will. By weekday, the average usage rate on weekdays was 89.3% to 88.8%, down 0.5%, and the average usage rate on weekends and holidays was down from 89.5% to 88.8%, 0.7%. doing.
The cumulative number of in-vehicle devices installed at the end of January increased by 0.7% compared to the end of December, increasing by 240,000 units to approximately 33.61 million units.

January service area sales were 12,685 million yen, 106.2% of the previous year's level. By road, Higashi-Meihan Expressway was particularly strong with 131.6% and Kisei 123.9%.
Higashi-Meihan Expressway has been using "EXPASA Gozasho" by many customers even during the beginning of the year, and I think Kiseido is influenced by the free social experiment. By sales, the “Food and Food Sales Division” increased 106.5% year-on-year to ¥ 465 million. A further breakdown of the "Food and Beverage Sales Division" is that the "Food and Beverage Division" was 103.9% up from the previous year, an increase of 131 million yen, and the "Food Sales Division" was 105.8% up to 333 million. It has increased by 10,000 yen. Next, in the “service sector (rest-in, bath)”, it was 111.4% up from the previous year, an increase of 4 million yen. In the “GS sector”, the refueling volume was 103.6% over the previous year, exceeding the previous year, and the unit price difference was also With an additional 9 yen, sales also increased 106.8% year-on-year to 268 million yen. The above is the current status of the business.

Before the next topic, I would like to talk about the accident that occurred on the Tomei Expwy on February 15.
Last February 15th, a multiple accident involving 39 cars occurred between the Tomei Expwy Out-bound line, Mikkaichi IC and Okazaki IC. In addition, after the suspension of traffic closure, a fatal accident involving five cars occurred in the evening.
We pray for the souls of those who have died, and for those who have been injured, we hope that they will be healed as soon as possible.
We also apologize for causing a great deal of inconvenience to many customers due to the prolonged suspension of traffic due to this accident.
Regarding the cause of this accident, the traffic police are currently conducting inspections and verifications, and the exact cause of both accidents has not yet been clarified.
We would like to analyze the cause of the accident and take appropriate measures in cooperation with the traffic police. We would like to consider measures, including new ITS technology.

The next topic is Tomei Expwy about traffic congestion countermeasures from Otowa Gamagori IC to Toyota JCT.
Regarding measures such as installing a speed recovery information board using LED information boards in fiscal 2008, we have been implementing measures to combat traffic congestion between the Otowa Gamagori IC and Toyota JCT in Tomei Expwy, but we have been in discussions with related organizations to deal with the increase in traffic congestion in recent years. We are pleased to inform you that we are carrying out some preparatory work for this measure, but we are now carrying out the construction in earnest.
As shown in Figure 1 of the materials at hand, this section was originally a place with a lot of traffic. In addition, it has been linked to Isewangan Expressway and Tokai-Kanjo Expressway Shin-Meishin Expressway Traffic volume has increased year by year, and now about 100,000 customers use it a day. Along with that, it has become one of the most frequent traffic jam sections in Japan.
See Figure 2 below. We are currently constructing a Shin-Tomei Expressway, but in FISCAL 2012, we will open from Gotemba JCT to Sanke-nitsu JCT. As a result, traffic at the target area has increased further, and as shown in Fig. 3, traffic congestion is also about 2.2% compared to 2008. it is expected to increase fivefold.
Therefore, although various measures have been implemented so far, as a further measure, in order to improve the traffic capacity of the target area, Inasa JCT of the Shin-Tomei Expressway Toyota-higashi Until the 2014 schedule for the completion of the JCT, we will report that discussions on three lanes will be completed by increasing the current two lanes on one side by one lane. The scope of countermeasures is shown in Figure 4.
In addition, the Shin-Tomei Expressway Inasa parallel to this target place is Toyota-higashi After the JCT is opened, it will be returned to the current two-lane operation.
Figure 5 shows the lane width configuration, but due to the narrowing of the shoulder due to this three-lane operation, construction to install emergency parking zones and emergency evacuation routes is scheduled to be carried out until the fall of 2011. The three-lane operation will then be.
This work is basically carried out by regulating the shoulder part, but for some construction work, the traveling lane and the overtaking lane may be regulated.
Finally, please, but during construction, the shoulder of the construction range is restricted, and there are also in and out of construction vehicles. We will make it known on construction signs, etc., but I would like you to be careful enough for the running of the construction section.
Based on consultation with the traffic police, we will make it fully known about the way to pass during three-lane operation before the start of operation. Finally, this measure contributes not only to traffic jams, but also to the reduction of accidents associated with traffic congestion. This is the explanation.

For the next topic, I will explain again about the conclusion of the comprehensive cooperation basic agreement with Tokyo, which was announced on February 10th.
As part of our management policy of "strengthening regional cooperation and contributing to local communities and economies," we first concluded a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Gifu Prefecture, which was signed in 2005, to promote tourism / industry, the environment, In terms of disaster prevention, education, culture, etc., we have concluded a comprehensive agreement with the government along the railway line and have been promoting various initiatives.
By concluding a comprehensive agreement with Tokyo this time, we were able to conclude a comprehensive agreement with all 11 prefectures along the line.
We will continue to study the concrete implementation contents with Tokyo based on this agreement, but in addition to the measures that other prefectures have taken up to now, Tokyo is the capital of Japan, We would like to develop various efforts to

Next topic. We will hold "Hokuriku Expressway Highway Campaign Fukui" for 3 months from March 1st to May 31st.
This is a tourism campaign as part of a comprehensive partnership agreement with Fukui Prefecture. Please see your brochure.
This campaign offers 86 benefits in the Reihoku area of Fukui Prefecture, including 6 SA / PA locations, and offers you various benefits when you show us your meals, shopping, lodging, bathing, etc. It is possible. This pamphlet can be freely taken by SAPA in our jurisdiction, or printed out from our website.
We also introduce recommended menus for SA / PA in the Reihoku area of Fukui Prefecture, such as the "Bread Showdown" popular in Nanjo SA and "Daifuku Anpan" which is also popular in ordering gourmet foods from Ongataya PA.
In Fukui Prefecture, the Wakasaji Highway Campaign in the Reinan area, which I introduced here last month, has also started, so please take this opportunity to take advantage of the Expressway to see the cherry blossoms in Fukui Prefecture. We hope you can enjoy the spring "Fukui's Journey" while visiting the spots and the places related to the three Asai sisters, the protagonists of the NHK taiga drama "E ~ hime no Sengoku ~".

Next topic. We will be announcing an event centered on spring break at "EXPASA". Thanks to you, "EXPASA" has been used by many customers since the grand opening last fall.
We wanted to make more and more customers aware of the appeal of "EXPASA", so we prepared various events for spring breaks that are easy to move with children.
We have events for a wide range of generations, such as "jazz live" that families can enjoy, "balloon art" and "caricatures" that children can enjoy, and "dog events" that can be enjoyed with pets.
By all means, we would like you to take this opportunity to come to "EXPASA", enjoy various events, and at the same time learn about the charm of "EXPASA".

Next topic. We are pleased to inform you that the first Expressway trick art will be completed in the Kamigo service area (In-bound) on the Tomei Expwy. Trick art is a mysterious art that pops out depending on the angle at which the painting on the wall is viewed. This time, we asked "S-day Company", which is the only specialized company in Japan, to create it, and created a lively and mysterious space like a zoo with giraffes, elephants, and white bears. In particular, the trick art at the entrance of the building, which is about 10 meters wide, welcomes customers with overwhelming power.
Completion is scheduled for March 3, and we will invite a nursery school child from 10:00 to hold an open ceremony. By all means, please come to the Kamigo service area where you can experience the mysterious trick art that you can "see," "take," and "impress."

Next topic. The In-bound line of the Hokuriku Expwy Sugitsu parking area will be reopened on March 12th.
In this renewal, the Sugizu parking area is located in Echizen, which is related to the Asai three sisters who are the protagonists of the now-talking-about NHK taiga drama "E". I aimed at
The store's exterior is reminiscent of an old merchant house in the Hokuriku region, creating a sense of familiarity, and by expanding it, it has been transformed into a parking area where you can relax and enjoy your meals and shopping.
Inside the store, there will be "Suizura City," which is a specialty of Hokuriku prefecture, "Potogaru", which is famous for its melon bread, and "Suizu Shokudo," which offers fast and delicious meals.
In addition, Suizu parking area Tsuruga is located in the scenic spot overlooking the bay, the evening of the day the weather is good, is also the area can be overlooking the beautiful sun set into the sea.
In the Sugizu parking area, CO ₂ We are working to create an environment-friendly area by introducing LED lighting to save electricity and install energy-saving air conditioners.
When using the Hokuriku Expressway, please drop in at the renewed Sugitsu PA.
These are the seven topics from me.

 

(Moderator)

Now, I would like to answer your questions.

(Reporter)

In the case of Tomei 3 lanes, if you have 3 lanes, the shoulders will be narrower. Isn't it dangerous? Are there any other areas you are implementing?

(Chairman and President)

We did exactly the same thing when reconstructing the Meishin, so we have experience. Of course, I will do my utmost to ensure safety, and I think that I can make good use of my experience so far.

(Reporter)

Do you mean you've done it the same way?

(Chairman and President)

That's right.

(Reporter)

At that time, it was a renovation, and this time it is to alleviate traffic congestion. What is the number of traffic congestion in the first place, and how much do you think that reducing traffic congestion by doing this?

(Chairman and President)

I will explain the numbers later from the person in charge, but I think that this measure will greatly reduce them.

(Reporter)

The story of Expressway tolls has finally been decided by the country, but what are your thoughts and how will this generate revenue and profits for the next fiscal year?

(Chairman and President)

I know from Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on February 16th that a new rate system has come out after the Democratic Party's department meeting. Since the country wants to implement it from April of the new year, we have the next step, of course system modification, etc., and we have to make a legal public comment by the proper procedure before that. Hmm. At the same time, we are preparing to make system changes to the new tariff system as soon as possible. This is what happens to my income, but I don't think it will affect me so far. Also, I'm not sure how much this will trigger and increase the number of conversions from general roads to Expressway. And I don't know how much the income from service areas will be, but I think that it will not have a big impact at least.

(Reporter)

Do you think it's about the same as this year?

(Chairman and President)

Yes, I think so.

(Reporter)

I have a question about measures against traffic congestion. When I was appointed, I said that I wanted to work on it, and as a user I always wanted to improve the severity of traffic congestion, but I will do this traffic congestion countermeasures based on the president's instructions and judgment. Have you decided?

(Chairman and President)

The construction is ready to start. Of course, this plan had been talked about before I took office, but in any case I said within the company that the congestion should be resolved soon. In addition to this, there are areas with frequent congestion that are still within our jurisdiction, so I would like to make efforts to resolve them as soon as possible.

(Reporter)

It is a confirmation about 3 lanes. Shin-Tomei Expressway is due to the partial opening until full opening, so it is the main reason, whether it is the measure originally planned, or whether it has been decided to take measures due to increasing traffic congestion Is not it?

(Chairman and President)

As I explained earlier, I want to somehow solve the situation that the traffic congestion forecast will be 2.5 times higher than in 2008, the traffic volume of about 100,000 vehicles a day and the traffic congestion of about 300 times a year will occur. In addition, we would like to connect not only traffic jams but also the reduction of traffic accidents.

(Reporter)

Is it okay to understand that this measure will reduce the current traffic congestion, and that if the Shin-Tomei Expressway opens, it will not cause much traffic congestion even if you return to the 2-lane?

(Chairman and President)

I think so.

(Reporter)

This measure does not mean that Shin-Tomei Expressway will be partially opened.

(Chairman and President)

exactly.

(Reporter)

Is the accident on February 15 on this section?

(Chairman and President)

Some are included in the countermeasure section.

(Reporter)

I think that the accident this time depends on the police investigation, but is it useful for such accidents?

(Chairman and President)

I expect that way.

(Reporter)

You mentioned earlier that you want to prevent accidents through ITS. Could you tell us what you can think of?

(Chairman and President)

On February 19, the ITS antenna spot was set up and opened in SA on the Fuji River for the first time at Expressway outside the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway. Right now, the plan of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is considering installing at 1600 locations nationwide by the end of March. Currently, even if the ITS spot is installed, the on-board device must be an on-board device that is compatible with ITS, so I think it will take some time for it to spread, but when ITS spreads Customers can obtain traffic information over a much wider range of about 1000 km. In particular, it becomes possible to select a route when traveling over a long distance, and you can reach the destination on a route that is not congested. I think we will be able to provide fairly detailed information and even lanes in some cases in the future, but whichever route we choose, it will be possible from this spring. I think that if such a thing is done, it will be a countermeasure for traffic congestion.

(Reporter)

Regarding the current accident, is it possible to think that increasing the number of ITS spots in SA etc. will help prevent accidents?

(Chairman and President)

We also need software and onboard equipment, so we have prepared 1600 ITS spots, so it will not be possible immediately tomorrow. The infrastructure is planned to be built by the end of March. Also, ITS will not only be useful for traffic congestion measures, but will also be able to provide a wide range of information such as local information, which will be very convenient for customers.

(Reporter)

The other day, the JR Tokai Shinkansen export to Florida was withdrawn. Also, there are political risks such as demonstrations in the Middle East and various international business development, but what kind of risks such as political risks when Large infrastructure business in Vietnam and Southeast Asia in the future? So what do you need to do to reduce it and what are you thinking about?

(Chairman and President)

I do not think that what is happening in Africa and other countries will soon come to the Southeast Asian region, but in any case, some risks of going abroad and country risk are enough. am thinking. I think Vietnam and Japan are very good relations with each other, but there is no doubt that they are Communist countries. I intend to move forward while carefully considering such things. Also, as I mentioned last time, I would like to share the financing or country risk with all the people in Japan and the funds. Also, even if a Expressway goes out to foreign countries for the first time, I think it is impossible for one company in Central Japan to bear all the risks.

(Reporter)

You say that you use ITS to prevent accidents. Does ITS mean that you can take measures against accidents by knowing the traffic congestion at the end of an invisible curve?

(Chairman and President)

This means that you can get information such as a broken car stopping at the end of the curve or congestion. By providing various information, customers will be able to select roads and control speed. We believe that this will have a great positive effect on measures against traffic congestion.

(Moderator)

Then, the transportation team will explain the effects and traffic congestion associated with the three-lane Tomei Expwy you asked earlier.

(Employee)

I think that the amount of traffic congestion that you asked should be understood as the extension of the traffic congestion, for example, if the traffic congestion is 5 km, the area multiplied by how long it lasted.

(Reporter)

Is it a traffic jam over time?

(Employee)

exactly.

(Reporter)

How much will this be alleviated?

(Employee)

Shin-Tomei Expressway Gotemba to three days Inasa connecting to three days via JCT, and now Tomei Expwy traffic volume is expected to increase by about 5,000 units. In addition, we assume that traffic congestion will swell about 2.5 times, but with this measure, I think that a significant reduction effect can be expected because two lanes increase to three lanes.

(Reporter)

Mei-Nikan Expressway of the toll gate, but we heard that become unmanned, that sort of thing is Shin-Tomei Expressway Will be even? Also, the Mayor of Nagoya and the Governor of Aichi were newly elected. Please tell us if you have a message for them.

(Employee)

Mei-Nikan Expressway toll booths are more mechanized than unmanned, so you pay the fee at the machine where you pay. Of course, there is a staff member at the office, so if there is something there will be a rush. Wherever mechanization is possible, I would like to promote mechanization. Regarding Shin-Tomei Expressway, we are currently studying mechanization in the same way.

(Chairman and President)

For the new governor and mayor, I would like you to take a policy of economic growth as well as tax reduction.

(Moderator)

This concludes the regular press conference.