October 23, 2013 President Kaneko's regular meeting

【MC】

We have been waiting for you. We are now starting the 88th regular conference.

 

[President Kaneko]

Thank you for your busy place.

Today we have about nine topics.

 

[Business Status (September 2013)]

Please see document 1.

Toll revenue in September was 42,433 million yen, up 2.2% from the same month last year. In addition, the average number of traffic per day was 1.97 million units, up 4.1% from the same month last year. Compared to last year, the three-day holiday was once more due to the calendar, and the effect of opening some sections of the Ken-O Road resulted in positive revenues and units.

Next is the construction situation.

On April 14, Ken-O Road Chigasaki JCT～SamukawakitaInterchange IC between was opened, but the same Ken-O Road of Sagamiharaaikawa IC～Takaosan IC also 15km aims to opening of the 2013 fiscal year. 2014 fiscal year, Shin-Tomei Expwy in Aichi Prefecture section is of HamamatsuInasa JCT-Toyota-higashi JCT 55km, Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway of Obama IC-Tsuruga JCT 39Km, Ken-O Road of SamukawakitaInterchange IC aimed at opening of ~ Ebina JCT4km, We are working diligently on the construction.

 

Next is the usage status of ETC. The average daily usage rate in September was 91.0%.

 

Next is the situation of the service area.

Sales in the service area in September were 15,371 million yen, up 4.4% from the same month last year.

In the “Food and Beverage Division”, sales were 1.6% lower than in the previous year, and food and beverage sales were + 1.5%, for a total of 100.4%. This is a popular collection of the “Summer Highway Outing Coco Only Collection” held until September and the event being held at the Ashigara service area Out-bound line of the Tomei Expwy, which has been used by many customers. I think that is a factor. Sales in the gasoline segment also increased significantly, as in the previous month, at 15.8% year-on-year. In addition to the slight increase in the amount of refueling, we believe that the cost of gasoline is about 14 yen per liter plus.

 

[Status of 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety

The first is a business plan for improving safety.

We will prioritize measures to improve safety and have already removed all tunnel ceiling panels within our jurisdiction. Currently, we are prioritizing the removal of ventilation ducts installed in tunnels. Most recently, about 20m of ventilation duct of the Hakamoshi tunnel on Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway will be removed between November 11 and 14.

As shown in Document 2, Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway Shirotori IC and Fukumitsu IC is closed at night, the tunnel disaster prevention equipment will be inspected and repaired, but it will be removed at the same time.

We apologize for any inconvenience to customers who use the Expressway, but we ask for your understanding and cooperation.

We will continue to remove ventilation ducts installed on roads and implement double safety measures for structures.

 

Next is the program to increase the number of maintenance personnel at local maintenance and service centers, which is necessary for the execution of the 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety At a regular press conference last month, I mentioned that we plan to increase the total number of employees by 60 in September and October, but we plan to continue increasing the number of employees by 28 in November. We will continue to increase the number of maintenance personnel from 40 to 50 and strengthen the on-site system over the next spring.

Such drastic organizational reforms to strengthen the on-site system and improve maintenance and management capabilities are nearing the end of early November. We will notify you as soon as the reform plan is finalized.

 

The last is about "safety bulletin board". Please see document 3. In order to build a corporate culture that puts safety first, we will collect and share a wide range of information on safety inside and outside the company and strengthen communication between each department within the group regarding safety. We built a "bulletin board" and started operation from October 1st.

This “safety bulletin board” is a “database function” that stores internal and external safety-related information, a “function that transmits information such as safety-related messages from management,” and a “communication tool for safety-related employees. Function ”.

Going forward, we will continue to build a culture where management and employees are aware of safety risks and will continue to share them.

The above is the status of efforts under the “Three-Year Safety Improvement Plan”.

 

[Strengthening of crisis management functions in preparation for large-scale disasters]

See Appendix 4.

Our company and NEXCO WEST will conclude a confirmation letter on October 31 so that the images from the helicopter taken by the Central Army of the Ground Self-Defense Force in the event of a disaster can be viewed in-house.

In light of the Great East Japan Earthquake, on March 22, 2012, the Ground Self-Defense Force Central Army, the Company, and NEXCO WEST signed an agreement on mutual cooperation in the event of a disaster. As part of this confirmation, the footage from the helicopter taken by the Central Army of the Ground Self-Defense Force in the event of a disaster will be delivered to us in real time. As a result, Expressway is damaged at the initial stage, and we will be able to take prompt action for recovery, which will lead to further strengthening of the crisis management function. ..

From 16:30 on Thursday, October 31, a conclusion ceremony will be held at the Ground Self-Defense Force Itami garrison in Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture. If you would like to have an interview, please apply to our public relations office as described in the notice in Document 4.

 

[Acquisition of ISO 39001 certification]

See Appendix 5.

​We will acquire ISO 39001 certification, the international standard for road traffic safety management systems, on October 31st. This is our research, but it is the first road administrator in the world to obtain certification.

ISO 39001 is a new international standard that sets out the basic matters that organizations should work on road traffic safety with the ultimate goal of "eradicating fatalities and serious injuries caused by traffic accidents."

At the Company, the Maintenance and Service Business Division is taking the initiative in taking initiatives, aiming to provide a safe, secure and comfortable Expressway space with the lowest traffic fatal accident rate in the world. Specifically, we will analyze in detail the causes and locations of accidents, implement effective accident prevention measures and conduct safety awareness activities, and build a system that operates regularly through the PDCA cycle to make regular improvements. To do. We will make these efforts widely available to the public and disseminate them.

This time, our efforts have been reviewed by the certification body, the Japan Quality Assurance Organization, and have been certified. With this certification, we will work on further road safety measures and aim to reduce traffic accidents.

The award ceremony for the certificate will be held at this conference room from 13:15 on Thursday, October 31. This award ceremony will be open to the press.

 

[Development of a maintenance vehicle equipped with a driving operation support system utilizing automatic driving technology]

See Appendix 6.

We have developed Japan's first Expressway maintenance vehicle equipped with a driving assistance system and introduced it into a tunnel light cleaning car.

Tunnel lighting cleaning vehicles are vehicles that clean the lighting in tunnels. Conventionally, traffic regulation was performed while working. Vehicles equipped with the driving operation support system introduced this time recognize white lines on the road and assist in steering operation, so they can safely and accurately clean lighting fixtures while traveling at 80 km / h. This can reduce traffic regulation time.

The driving test was repeated on the test course and Shin-Tomei Expressway before opening, and it was certified as a test vehicle by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Test runs on actual Expressway will begin in November, and evaluations will be conducted to further improve system accuracy.

At 10:30 am on Friday, November 8th, this tunnel lighting fixture cleaning car will be released to the press at the Mie Kawagoe Interchange on the Isewangan Expwy. On the day, there will be a place where you can get on the front passenger seat and experience the driving support system. Details will be announced separately at a later date, but there is no need to apply in advance.

 

[Social experiments conducted in the Tohama Lake Hamana service area]

Please see the flyer that you handed.

Tomei Expwy In the Hamana Lake service area, a social experiment in which you can enjoy sightseeing boats and rental bicycles in the service area is being carried out on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from October 19 to December 1. You.

This was applied for and accepted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Highway Bureau for a “field demonstration experiment of new road-related initiatives”.

Taking advantage of the location characteristics of the Hamana Lake service area, which faces Lake Hamanako, by improving the pier and managing the pleasure boats and rental bicycles of Lake Hamana, it will be effective as a regional promotion and tourism base, In the event that the Tomei Expwy is closed for a long time due to a large-scale disaster or the like, the possibility of an emergency transportation route connecting the Hamana Lake Service Area and the Lake Hamana Coastal Area will be verified.

This experiment is being conducted by a council led by Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamamatsu City, Tourism Association and others. We also participate in the council for the purpose of regional cooperation and contribution to the local community, and cooperate in using the Hamana Lake service area.

I hope you can use it when you visit the Lake Hamana Service Area.

 

[NEXCO CENTRAL original brand "New"]

See Appendix 7.

The first product of "New", a product brand that uses waste materials generated from Expressway business activities as recycled materials, is the "Messenger Bag", which has been well received. As a second product, we have developed a body bag made by recycling used banners.

This body bag takes advantage of the material characteristics of the banner, which is resistant to sunlight and dirt, and this time, when using a blue mesh type banner with white characters drawn, when wearing it in refreshing colors It has a simple and compact shape that is attractive for its lightness. In addition, although it is a compact size, it can securely store items such as plastic bottles and wallets necessary for a little outing, and it can be used as a waist porch in addition to diagonal cliffs, so it is suitable for autumn in sports, It has become a widely used product in the sports scene.

This body bag will be sold today at NEXCO CENTRAL Online Mall. This Online Mall introduces various other products, so please enjoy online shopping. In addition, sample body bags are placed at this venue, so I would like you to take a look by hand.

Going forward, NEXCO CENTRAL 's original brand, “New”, will use recycled materials to develop products unique to our company that will please many people.

 

["The 8th Newspaper-made Expressway" Bridge "Contest"]

Please see Document 8.

The "Bridge Contest" is a competition in which the design and strength of works are created by building a Expressway bridge using nearby newspaper and adhesive. It has been held every year since 2006 with the aim of gaining an interest in “manufacturing” through the production of works, as well as experiencing the dynamic technologies of roads and structures, and familiarizing them with Expressway.

The winner of the design category, which competes for the beauty of the bridge, was decided on September 28 and 29 at mozo wonder city in Nishi Ward, Nagoya City, by a vote from visitors and the judges. Winning works such as the highest award are displayed on the side of this venue, so please see it later.

In addition, the division competing for the strength of the bridge will hold the finals on Saturday, October 26 this week at the “Electric Cultural Center 5F Event Hall” opposite the Company. Compete for how much weight a bridge made of 100 g of newspaper can withstand, the `` lightweight section '' for competing how lightly a bridge that can withstand 1 kg can be made, and compete with schools for load-bearing The finals will be held in the three divisions of “Group Battles”.

Be sure to visit the venue and enjoy the bridge, which you can't imagine using newspapers.

 

[Eco-friendly initiatives]

See Appendix 9.

We have set "Contribution to the Environment and a Sustainable Society" as one of the priority areas of our CSR activities and are implementing environmentally friendly initiatives.

In 2011, Toyota Construction Office collected about 10 kinds of tree species, such as Aakashi and Sakaki, native to the Expressway along with Okazaki City Kawai Junior High School students.

The seeds were raised by Kawai Junior High School and our company over two years, and on October 18 last week, along with 75 students at Kawai Junior High School, a Shin-Tomei Expressway Expressway slope in the Ippei area of Okazaki City was used. Approximately 100 trees were planted.

The students commented, "I was relieved to understand that the construction work was considered natural," and "I want to be proud of the seedlings we planted on the Expressway slope." .

The slopes planted this time will be properly managed by the Company along with the Expressway and will be monitored for growth.

We will continue to work on strengthening regional cooperation and contributing to the local community and economy.

 

These are the topics we have prepared today.

 

【MC】

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

 

[Reporter]

On October 1, we announced the policy of increasing the consumption tax. Please tell us how to deal with Expressway tolls.

 

[President Kaneko]

Currently, NEXCO EAST, NEXCO WEST, NEXCO CENTRAL 's NEXCO 3 companies and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Transport and Tourism are in the process of studying, but we believe that we will basically pass on the 3% increase in consumption tax. In addition, although we are aware of reports that railways in the metropolitan area will be in units of 1 yen, we have not yet decided on the unit of Expressway Expressway passengers are ETC, which is one of the factors to decide the unit.

 

[Reporter]

It is time to pass on the consumption tax, but will it be in line with the consumption tax hike in April next year?

 

[President Kaneko]

If the consumption tax rate rises on April 1, we believe that it will be passed on from April 1.

 

[Reporter]

Sasago Tunnel In response to the accident, Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway You mentioned that the ventilation ducts for the Hakama Koshi tunnel will be removed. Please tell us the overall progress.

 

[Employees]

All ceiling panels installed in the tunnel were completely removed between June and September. The removal of ventilation ducts is proceeding sequentially, and the Kakamigahara Tunnel, Nihonzaka Tunnel, Enayama Tunnel In-bound Line, Kambara Tunnel, Okitsu Tunnel, and Kiyoji Temple Tunnel have been removed from June to July.

In addition to the Hakamaso Tunnel to be removed this time, the up and down lines of the Hokuriku Expressway Imajo tunnel and the Tsuruga tunnel are preparing for removal. In addition, there are three tunnels where ventilation ducts cannot be removed due to environmental measures. The Kawaguchi Tunnel and the Hachioji Castle Ruins Tunnel at Ken-O Road, and the Fujikawa Tunnel at Shin-Tomei Expressway. For these three tunnels, double safety measures or inspection and monitoring have been strengthened. Inspection of signs and information boards has also been completed, and designs are being made to promote double safety measures.

 

[Reporter]

Are all removals completed this year?

 

[Employees]

I think there will be places next year. In addition, we have also organized a study meeting on potential risks other than for heavy structures, so we would like to take measures against them in the 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety.

 

[President Kaneko]

Scheduled inspections and repairs will be announced promptly. We will also share information with NEXCO EAST and NEXCO WEST.

 

[Reporter]

It is a maintenance vehicle equipped with a driving operation support system. Why is it possible to reduce traffic regulation time by introducing this system?

 

[President Kaneko]

Until now, cleaning was performed using a rotating brush at low speeds, but the introduction of cavitation technology has enabled cleaning while traveling at 50 km / h. In addition, the driver's operation support system enables accurate driving, enabling cleaning at 80 km / h and reducing traffic regulation time.

 

[Reporter]

I think that the original brand "New" released the Messenger Bag in May, but what about the sales?

 

[President Kaneko]

Thanks to the popularity, it sold less than 100 in all. The rest is only a few.

 

[Reporter]　　

I heard that a briefing was held on October 27 for the bereaved family following the Sasago Tunnel accident. Is that true? If so, who can tell me what is specifically explained?

 

[President Kaneko]

It is true that we hold briefings for the bereaved. The location and the date and time will be exchanged with the bereaved, so I would like to refrain from talking about it.

 

[Reporter]

Is it okay that the briefing will be the content of the 3-Year Plan for Improving Safety and recurrence prevention measures that the bereaved family is also interested in?

 

[President Kaneko]

3-Year Plan for Improving Safety and measures to prevent recurrence.

 

[Reporter]

I think that we are currently in trial with the bereaved family, but I think that there will be some severe talks with you in person, but what kind of attitude do you intend to face?

 

[President Kaneko]

As always, we will treat the bereaved with sincerity.

 

[Reporter]

The safety bulletin board on the intranet, can it be shared by the entire group, including subsidiaries?

 

[President Kaneko]

The safety bulletin board started on October 1, but due to security issues, now only NEXCO itself, but all employees of the Companies in our Group will soon be able to see it.

 

[Reporter]

Is the purpose of the safety bulletin board perceived as sharing information and expediting response in the event of an emergency?

 

[President Kaneko]

Mostly, we want to help employees build a corporate culture where safety is a top priority, by raising employee awareness of safety.

 

[Reporter]

Chubu Electric Power is considering a price increase in April next year. If the price increase is made, please tell us how much your company will be affected and how you will respond to it.

 

[President Kaneko]

We haven't heard how much more Chubu Electric Power will raise, and we also use electricity from Tokyo Electric Power and Kansai Electric Power. We have not yet calculated how much pressure we will have on these and other costs, so we will consider how to deal with them.

 

[Reporter]

The prices of TEPCO and Kansai Electric Power have already been raised, but what is the impact on management?

 

[President Kaneko]

I understand that there is not much impact on management.

 

[Reporter]

The location of the station on the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, which JR Central is planning, has been announced, and I think that a new station will be Chuo Expressway or the Ken-O Road Based on this, please tell us what you think about future measures such as making smart ICs and widening roads.

 

[President Kaneko]

We understand that the assessment of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen has been released and that the route has been largely decided. The principle of smart ICs is to have a local initiative in principle, and we will consider future measures in the future. As a specific move, a study meeting on the transportation system was started on June 19, triggered by the development of the Chuo Shinkansen in Nagano Prefecture. Our company is participating as one of these members. It is still such a situation now.

 

[Reporter]

Is there any place other than Nagano that is in talks?

 

[President Kaneko]

There is none. However, I would like to continue to respond positively to revitalize the Japanese economy.

 

[Reporter]

It is planned to open in the future, but when will the new Shin-Tomei Expressway HamamatsuInasa JCT to Toyota-higashi JCT open in 2014?

 

[President Kaneko]

We want to open it as soon as possible, but for now it is expected to be the end of 2014.

 

【MC】

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