Abstract: This paper discusses the restructuring of Japanese National Railways (JNR), after JNR had made several unsuccessful attempts to prevent its losses during recent decades. There were several drawbacks of JNR being a public corporation in Japan, and several problems of being a centralised national rail network. The JNR Reform Commission, set up by the Japanese Government, published its recommendations in 1985. JNR was to be divided into six regional passenger networks and one national freight system. All these new railways were to be incorporated as joint stock companies within the Japanese Railways (JR) Group. They started as independent railways on 1 April 1987. JNR Settlement Corporation was also formed, to take over JNR's existing debts and be responsible for redundant workers and surplus lands. Major problems to be addressed have included: (1) repayment of JNR's long-term debts; (2) re-employment of redundant rail workers; (3) closure or transfer of unprofitable branch lines; and (4) financing the construction of new high-speed and commuter lines, for which there is still a large demand. The reforms have already had some positive results. A table outlines the financial results of the new railway companies. Statistics are also provided of changes in modal split in Japanese and British transport markets (both passenger and freight) since 1965. For the covering abstract see IRRD 855443.
Publication Year: 1992
Publication Date: 1992-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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