SHINKANSEN TRANSPORT STRATEGY IN THE EAST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY

摘要

Shinkansen operations, as well as all aspects of the railway business, constitute a "comprehensive system industry" that depends on the combination of various technologies and effective cooperation among many participants. For example, it is obvious that rolling stock, stations, tracks, power, signals, communication and other "facilities" are necessary. Also, certain "rules," laws, ordinances and internal regulations must be observed if these facilities are to be utilized safely and effectively. Furthermore, the "people" participating in the operations - station personnel, crews, dispatchers and maintenance workers-must possess skills and knowledge concerning these facilities and rules to reliably execute their duties. This requires repeated education and training. Thus, safe and reliable transport can be realized only through the integration of facilities, rules, people and other factors. Only then can the railway business, as a "comprehensive system industry," be successful.