April 25, 2013 President Kaneko's regular meeting

【MC】

We have been waiting for you. We are now starting the 84th regular conference.

 

[President Kaneko]

I would like to say a few words before today's regular meeting.

We sincerely pray for those who died from the fall of the ceiling board that occurred on the ChuoExpwy Sasago Tunnel In-bound on December 2, last year. We sincerely apologize to all the bereaved and the victims.

In response to the accident, I took the initiative and took steps to address the accident and formulate measures to improve safety. Therefore, since December last year, I have stopped regular meetings. I'm very sorry.

We are currently formulating the “3-Year Plan for Improving Safety”, but we would like to resume our regular interviews this month, including a report on the situation.

Thank you in the future.

 

[Status of efforts to improve safety]

On February 1st, we announced "Efforts to Improve Safety", but once again, with a strong determination to "do not cause such an accident again," In order to return to the basics and regain the trust of the public, we have taken immediate steps to prevent recurrence and have formulated `` 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety'' that embodies `` initiatives for improving safety '' By the way.

In formulating this plan, in order to enhance its effectiveness, we will collect opinions from the “Safety Improvement Experts Committee”, which is comprised of external experts established by the Company.

In addition, three external committees have been set up. One is the “Investigation and Review Committee on Tunnel Ceiling Drops” established by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, which is deliberating on the causes of accidents. The third is the NEXCO3 company, which is discussing the long-term conservation of Expressway assets. Technical Review Committee on Updates ". We are studying to reflect the opinions of these three committees in "3-Year Plan for Improving Safety".

We would like to formulate the “3-Year Plan for Improving Safety” as soon as possible. Please see the materials you have handed.

 

First of all, regarding the left and right routes of the Enayama Tunnel Out-bound line with ceiling panels and the Tourano tunnel Out-bound line, the policy is to remove the ceiling panels by the end of this fiscal year, and discussions are underway to remove them. Until it is removed, we are working to strengthen our monitoring system using sensors and video surveillance systems.

Various reports have been made regarding the timing of removing the ceiling panels from the Enasan Tunnel Out-bound line, but we are in discussions with related organizations and will announce when agreement has been reached. We will also inform you of the Tsunoyoshi Tunnel at the stage when the details of the construction and the specific timing are finalized.

In addition, heavy structures in tunnels such as ventilation ducts, and information boards and large sign structures fixed with adhesive bolts shall be basically removed or relocated, and reinforced if removal or relocation is not possible. And other fail-safe measures.

In order to strengthen the internal system, the “Safety Management Department” was established on February 12 under the direct control of the company in charge of internal safety management. Based on the objective, neutral and broad perspective of the Safety Improvement Experts Committee, which is made up of external experts, the Safety Management Department has formulated a `` 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety'' We will make a strong effort with the full power of the group.

 

Next, the Company is currently formulating the “3-Year Plan for Improving Safety”. As a measure to strengthen the inspection work that can be performed immediately and should be implemented, the following will be performed.

1. Establish a system for checking the PDCA cycle from inspection to repairs and accumulation of history by the Safety Management Department.

2. In confirming the inspection implementation plan and evaluating the inspection results, we will work on strengthening the examination function, such as confirmation by other departments.

3. Information on the history of repairs to bridges and other structures in the past, and examples of failures, etc., are shared with the company and Companies in our Group and inspection plans for finding the cause of the problem through analysis and repairs that can prevent the cause. I will work on it.

4. NEXCO3 has set up a working group to examine how inspections should be conducted.

5. We will introduce advanced inspection and inspection technologies such as non-destructive inspection using infrared cameras and image analysis.

6. Information on inspections and repair plans for structures and evaluations of soundness will be published on our website in an easy-to-understand manner.

 

In response to the potential risks of structures, we look back at the time of construction, reconfirm the design concepts of structures, road accessories, etc., and conduct inspections and repairs in consideration of construction methods and aging, fail-safe measures, etc. I will come.

 

Finally, in light of the rigorous comments from the members of the “Safety Improvement Experts Committee” established by the Company, we have decided to undertake fundamental reforms on our management issues.

Specifically, we believe it is necessary to revise the basic stance of each of the officers and employees of the entire Group for their work, clarify their authority and responsibilities, and work with duties with a sense of responsibility.

In order to implement fundamental reforms such as the organization, systems, and mechanisms to achieve this, I have appointed a few of the directors and executive officers and established the “Organizational Reform Advisory Committee”. Verification and solution / roadmap creation started. We have compiled this reform plan and will begin implementing it.

 

[Business status]

As we have been taking a break from December, we are distributing the monthly sales status from last November to March this year, ETC status, service area and parking area as reference materials.

Toll revenue in fiscal 2012 was 497.4 billion yen, an increase of 4.3% from the previous year, and the number of tolls averaged 1,862,000 vehicles a day, an increase of 0.6% from the previous year. The impact of the opening of Shin-Tomei Expressway, which opened in April last year, has had a significant effect, and in fiscal 2012 both toll revenue and traffic were positive.

 

Next is the construction situation.

2013 fiscal year, Ken-O Road Sagamiharaaikawa IC～Takaosan IC is scheduled for the opening of 15 km. Ken-O Road Chigasaki JCT-SamukawakitaInterchange IC 5㎞ opened on April 14. In addition, two sections were opened at the end of fiscal 2012, and will be explained later.

 

Next is the usage status of ETC. The average daily usage rate in March was 90.6%.

 

Next is the situation of the service area.

Sales in the service area in fiscal 2012 were 180.4 billion yen, 111.8% of the previous year. This is because the service areas and parking areas of Shin-Tomei Expressway Tomei, including NEOPASA, were strong. The situation one year after the opening of Shin-Tomei Expressway will be explained later.

 

[FY2013 business plan]

First is the construction business, but was partially opened to traffic in the last month of 30 days and this month of 14 days Ken-O Road For continue, Sagamiharaaikawa IC～Takaosan IC aim to business progress between 15Km, Tomei Expwy and ChuoExpwy will continue to complete the ring road network between. In addition, Shin-Tomei Expressway Aichi Prefecture corresponds to the section of HamamatsuInasa JCT～Toyota-higashi and between JCT, Shin-Meishin Expressway of Yokkaichi JCT ~ Kameyama JCT between, Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway of Obama IC～Tsuruga JCT while promoting intensive businesses such as between, a full-scale Tomei - of Tokyo outside the nuclear ring road began to business Chuo Expressway between and Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway of Shirotori IC will continue to steadily advance the 4-lane business between - Hida Kiyomi JCT.

Regarding the maintenance and repair business of Expressway, in addition to the measures to improve safety mentioned earlier, urgent repairs to improve the durability of road structures, such as measures for aging bridges, etc. As a countermeasure for the bottleneck, we will start to consider implementing measures to eliminate traffic congestion near the Yamato Tunnel in Tomei as soon as possible, aiming for Expressway that customers can use safely and with peace of mind. We will promote business to maintain good condition.

In the areas of “Large and growth”, such as the service area business, overseas business, and new business, we will continue to focus on the customer first without stopping.

 

[Situation of one year after the opening of Shin-Tomei Expressway]

Shin-Tomei Expressway The average daily traffic volume for one year after its opening was Shin-Tomei Expressway, and approximately 40,000 vehicles in parallel with Tomei. The combined traffic volume of Shin-Tomei Expressway and Tomei was approximately 83,000 units, an increase of approximately 14% compared to the same period of the previous year before opening.

On the other hand, the traffic volume on the Tomei Expressway decreased by about 40%, and the Shin-Tomei Expressway to the new Tomei Expressway was planned. Due to this traffic change, the traffic congestion between Gotemba JCT and Mikkabi JCT has decreased by about 90% compared to before the opening. The number of accidents in the first year after the opening announced by the Shizuoka Prefectural Police has also decreased by about 14% compared to last year.

The following are the usage statuses of seven popular NEOPASA locations. The total number of visitors during the year was approximately 37 million, a very large number of customers. Sales in the service area and parking area were 13.5 billion yen at 13 locations of Shin-Tomei Expressway and 10.4 billion yen at 20 parallel locations in Tomei, totaling 29.9 billion yen. Since the sales of Tomei in the same period of last year before the opening of Shin-Tomei Expressway was 16.8 billion yen, it is an increase of 13.1 billion yen. In addition, sales of Tomei service areas decreased by ¥ 6.4 billion due to the conversion of Tomei traffic to Shin-Tomei Expressway.

 

[Congestion prediction and measures on Expressway during GW period]

As Golden Week approaches, I will explain traffic forecasts again. The peak traffic during the Golden Week this year is forecast to be May 4 on the Out-bound line and May 5 on the In-bound line.

The number of traffic jams over 10 km is 108, of which 11 is over 30 km, which is expected to be almost the same as last year.

In addition, we provide traffic congestion prediction information and the latest information on road traffic conditions in the traffic congestion prediction guide, official website, and `` iHighway Central Japan '' that you can easily see on your smartphone, etc. .

Please use it before departure and use it in a decentralized manner to avoid traffic jams.

 

These are the topics we have prepared today.

 

【MC】

Now, I would like to receive your questions from now on.

 

[Reporter]

When was the Organizational Reform Advisory Committee established? When is the formulation planned?

 

[President Kaneko]

In the first committee of the Safety Improvement Experts Committee, we received a strict opinion that fundamental reforms, including the group, should be carried out on the way of working, the way of working, the authority and the responsibilities of the organization, including the group. The committee was launched. In parallel with 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety, the Organizational Reform Advisory Committee is an advisory committee from the perspective of the organization and group. We plan to formulate as soon as possible by autumn. The first advisory committee meeting was held on March 11.

 

[Reporter]

The timing of removing the ceiling board of the Enasan Tunnel Out-bound line is under adjustment, but please tell us a guide.

 

[President Kaneko]

The Company announced on February 8 that the timing of removal will be decided after consultation and coordination with the parties concerned, based on the fact that it will be carried out at the time of the least social impact since the dawn of the GW.

 

[Reporter]

JR Tokai has released the status of large-scale renovation to the media. It seems like the idea of repairing before it breaks. As for Expressway, the mid-term report of the Long-Term Conservation Review Committee will start from 15:00 today. Is that amount available?

 

[President Kaneko]

I think that a rough sum will be paid by the interim report of the long-term maintenance review committee set up by NEXCO3. Our approach is to work on preventive maintenance, with the intent of conducting inspections and repairs in advance.

 

[Reporter]

Does that mean that the Reform Advisory Committee is running separately from the 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety?

 

[President Kaneko]

The committee is separate. 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety includes building a corporate culture, reviewing business processes in response to aging, establishing a safety management system, and developing human resources. The Organizational Reform Advisory Committee reviews management issues and organizes the course for reforming organizations, systems and systems.

 

[Reporter]

Previously, the president told you that you could do a 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety but which ones have you already started in this initiative?

 

[President Kaneko]

Chuo Expressway Regarding the removal of the ceiling panel of the Enayama tunnel, we have already discussed with local authorities how to remove the ceiling panel for the implementation of the construction.

Regarding the enhancement of the fail-safe function, the basic policy is to remove and relocate heavy structures, etc. As a countermeasure in the event that this is not possible, we have begun selecting sites and studying construction methods so that they will not fall even in case of emergency.

Regarding the internal safety management system, the Safety Management Department was established on February 12.

In addition, the maintenance and service business headquarters has begun examining ways to strengthen inspection work. The Council for Social Infrastructure Maintenance Road Subcommittee Road Maintenance Subcommittee is also deliberating on how inspections should be conducted, their frequency, and methods. Scientific inspection methods are now being considered in our technical department. Chuo Expressway The removal of the ceiling panels from the Enayama tunnel and the Tomei Tsuurano tunnel will probably be a few months away, but as a strengthening of the surveillance system, remote monitoring cameras can be installed in the tunnel, Sensors that detect the movement of the unit are installed at a pitch of 100 m in the tunnel.

 

[Reporter]

I heard that there will be an announcement of the interim report of the Long-Term Maintenance Review Committee from 15:00 today. How do you view the significance of the announcement as President?

 

[President Kaneko]

I think it is important for NEXCO3, which manages the Expressway network, to unify the definitions and procedures of large-scale renewal and large-scale repairs. In addition, I think it is necessary to determine the criteria for determining what should be a large-scale renewal and what should be a large-scale repair. Today, I feel a sense of the scale of future renewal and repair costs, and I think it will lead to the story of how the resources will be.

 

[Reporter]

When is the final report being prepared?

 

[President Kaneko]

We want you to put it together as soon as possible.

 

[Reporter]

One year has passed since Shin-Tomei Expressway opened. As you explained, traffic trends are changing considerably. Although there are still parts that have not been opened yet, please tell us about your future strategies and newly emerging issues.

 

[President Kaneko]

Shin-Tomei Expressway-Tomei opened 162km on April 14, last year, but as you pointed out, the entire line has not been opened yet. Therefore, I think it is most important to proceed with the construction as planned toward the opening of the entire line. In particular, the construction from HamamatsuInasa JCT to Toyota-higashi JCT is quite difficult. Also, in the direction of Tokyo east of Gotemba, it is important to proceed with the construction as planned in cooperation with the construction of the Ken-Ken-O Road and the outer ring. In addition, there are some improvements in the details, so I think it is important to proceed while discussing various things with the local people.

In addition, Shizuoka Prefecture is also focusing on the area along the Shin-Tomei Expressway area, but we have applied for a special zone to build an inland area that is highly resistant to disasters and recently heard permission from the country. In response to these movements in Shizuoka Prefecture, for example, we consulted with local people about industry, industry, tourism, etc., and talked with you to help them improve the local economy and living standards as much as possible. I think so.

I also mentioned that sales of Tomei's service area and parking area decreased by 6.4 billion yen, but I also think that the challenge is how to make it an area that customers can come to in the future. .

 

[Reporter]

Please tell us when you will formulate a 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety.

 

[President Kaneko]

When we reported our efforts to improve safety to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, we stated that we would formulate a plan by the end of June. Several committees have been set up, and for example, I believe that inspections are a pillar of this three-year plan. Since each committee has deliberated in various ways, the end of June, which was originally planned, may be a little harsh considering these circumstances.

 

[Reporter]

Please tell us when to remove the ceiling plate of the Tsunoyoshi tunnel.

 

[Employees]

Traffic regulations are required to remove the ceiling boards on the left and right routes of the Out-bound Tsunoyoshi tunnel. I would like to refrain from specifically stating the timing before the coordination with the related organizations is over, but I would like to remove it at the earliest possible time and at a time when it has little effect on local people.

 

[Reporter]

What is the timing, such as the tray, the year-end and New Year holidays, the new year, the new year?

 

[Employees]

We don't think it's a one-year or two-year unit, but as early as possible.

 

[Reporter]

The president also knows the content of the announcement of the interim report of the Committee on Long-Term Maintenance, etc. How do you feel about the scale? Also, please tell us where you will focus on the Central Japan Expressway.

 

[President Kaneko]

It is very difficult to think about what to do for large-scale renewal and large-scale repairs, and I think that it is under discussion now. Therefore, we know that the scale is quite large. At this stage we have not decided where to focus.

 

[Reporter]

After the accident, it was stated that the president himself had devoted himself to preventing recurrence or responding to bereaved and victims, but the impression that some degree of prospects for safety improvement has been made. Now, please tell us about your position.

 

[President Kaneko]

We have summarized our efforts to improve safety, but 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety, a specific measure, is in the process of being formulated. First of all, it is first and foremost to respond with sincerity to the bereaved. Second, we are under criminal investigation and it is important that we cooperate as much as possible. The third point is 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety, based on fundamental reforms to prevent recurrence. After making a plan, I think it is most important to implement it. Therefore, it is my own responsibility to carry out these three things.

 

[Reporter]

Please tell us how your family members are dealing with and discussing the financial aspects.

 

[President Kaneko]

I would like to refrain from answering about the correspondence with the bereaved family.

 

[Reporter]

With the opening of Shin-Tomei Expressway, sales in the service area and parking area totaled 29.9 billion yen. Please tell us about your impression of this sales. Also, please tell us your future policy regarding leverage of the Tomei service area and parking area.

 

[President Kaneko]

I am very grateful that sales have increased since last year. Sales are higher than planned. Thank you for having 37 million visitors at 7 NEOPASA sites and many customers. Many customers came in the first year, but we would like to see many more customers in the second year and beyond. How to create an attractive and convenient service area and parking area for not only customers who use Expressway but also local customers who use Plat Park I think that is an issue.

 

[Moderator]

It seems that the question has been interrupted, so this will end the regular press conference.