The 1st Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) of the Environmentally Friendly Transportation System Development Project in Palau (JICA) was held in June 2023. At the JCC, major stakeholders from Palau and Japan gathered to discuss the following matters:
(1) the confirmation of need to address transport issues on the island,
(2) the trial operation of a route bus service with the aim of ensuring sustainable mobility, and
(3) the formulation of public transport master plan.
During the meeting, Minister Tmetuchl pointed out the traffic problems faced by Palauans who do not own cars, and stressed the importance of the government's efforts to reduce carbon emissions. He encouraged the use of buses as a form of public transport, and emphasized that Japan's technical cooperation is extremely important for the success of the project.
This project was started from May 2023, and plans to implement activities (1) to (3) above for three years.
Three local newspapers introduced the contents of this JCC as articles, indicating the high level of local interest. (Jul. 2023)

Area of business concerned: "08 Environmental Management"

Under the Project for Improving Traffic Congestion in Bangkok through the Establishment of Model Area Traffic Control (ATC) System in the Kingdom of Thailand (BATCP) being implemented as Technical Cooperation Project of JICA, an opening ceremony for the Area Traffic Control (ATC) system in the model area was held on June 26, 2023. The ceremony was chaired by Bangkok Governor, Dr. Chadchart Sittipunt and attended by more than 120 participants from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Royal Thai Police (RTP), other transportation-related agencies, research institutes, and media. This event was covered by several media.
The ATC has attracted the attention of the Governor and other local officials as an initiative aimed at solving Bangkok's pressing problem of traffic congestion. As the pilot project, ATC has been installed in the area bounded by Rama VI Road, Ratchawithi Road, Pahonohothin Road, and Pradipat Road, and the efficiency and effectiveness of the system are being verified.
BMA Governor, Dr. Chartchart emphasized the significance of this project to transform Bangkok's traffic management and expreseed his gratitude to the Japan’s cooperation. He further emphasized his commitment to creating a more efficient and livable city for the benefit of all residents.
The Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol. Maj. Gen Jirasant KAEWSAENG-EK expressed the view that the ATC system will not only reduce the burden of traffic signal management, but also allow the traffic police more time to perform their important duties such as traffic enforcement.
Mr. Takuro Tasaka, Minister of the Embassy of Japan, emphasized the strong bilateral cooperation between Japan and Thailand, and expressed confidence in the positive impact of Japanese technology in alleviating traffic congestion and fostering sustainable urban development in Thailand.
Mr. Kazuya Suzuki, Chief Representative of JICA Thailand Office, highlighted the fruitful cooperation between JICA and its Thai partners in realizing this project and stressed the importance of the ATC system in improving traffic conditions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and ultimately improving the quality of life of Bangkok's citizens.
The ATC system is expected to help alleviate traffic congestion and shorten travel times by efficiently handling traffic, thus creating a more sustainable and livable city. Based on the results of the pilot project, the BMA and the Royal Thai Police will work together to further expand the ATC system. (Jul. 2023)

Live streaming from the Seminar (Facebook)

Area of business concerned: "06 Planning and Implementation of Transportation Measures"

In the capital city of Kigali, Rwanda, a reorganization of bus transportation has been underway since 2013. To avoid competition among the bus operators, the city area has been divided into four zones, with six operators responsible for bus operations. However, the declining number of passengers due to ageing vehicles and the emergence of motorcycle taxis has called for reforms in the bus industry.
The Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project (JICA's Technical Cooperation Project conducted by JV between Nippon Koei Co., Ltd and ALMEC Corp..) aims to promote public transportation utilization and to improve urban transport by developing policies, measures, and plans for traffic flow management in public transport and the existing transport network. As experts of public transport planning and operations, we are providing support for the development of an action plan for public transport improvement. In addition, we are implementing the following pilot projects:

Open Data Management
We are working on reflecting the bus routes in Kigali city on Google Maps and other map applications. By organizing bus route information according to the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) format defined by Google and submitting it for review, the information will be made publicly available and displayed in the transit directions on Google Maps. We have already developed the GTFS for the bus routes of Royal Express, and we plan to do it for all routes in the near future.

Diagram-based Operations
In Kigali, buses do not operate on a predetermined schedule, and drivers do not depart until the passenger load reaches a certain level. Drivers take a rest at their own discretion. As a result, overall operational management is challenging, leading to irregular intervals and variations in service. Moreover, lack of the concept of operational delays makes it difficult to improve the operational efficiency, quality of services, and profitability of the bus system. The Kigali City Government aims to introduce fixed-schedule operations to improve bus routes, which is difficult for implementation.
Therefore, we are engaged in activities towards the introduction of diagram-based operations. In this approach, drivers are instructed on departure times, turnaround points, and the number of operations in advance. Even if there is a delay, drivers are to take legal rest periods and to maintain the required pattern and frequency of bus operations. This allows to track duty hours and closing hour of the drivers and thus to improve overall operational efficiency and profitability.
Considering the difference of working environment between two countries, our method used in Japan should not be applied directly in Rwanda. Therefore, we are working closely with local operators and the government to find the bus operational management suitable in Rwanda. (Jul. 2023)

Area of business concerned: "04 Integrated Planning for Urban and Transportation Development"

May 30, 2023—JICA Survey Team headed by Tokai Denshi Ltd. in association with ALMEC Corporation held Road Safety Seminar—Toward Zero Drunk Driving Society in Vietnam—in Hotel Du Parc in Hanoi, Vietnam. The seminar was a part of JICA's SDGs Business Model Formulation Survey with the Private Sector for Improvement of Prevention of Traffic Accidents Caused by Drunk Driving Using Alcohol Breathalyzer System and Education Support in Vietnam.
Building on the outcomes of the survey, the seminar aims to consider possible approaches through public-private partnerships to promote efforts to prevent traffic accidents caused by drunk driving that is currently a major social problem in Vietnam.
As panelists, representatives from Police Science Institute (PSI) of People’s Police Academy (PPA), National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC), and the public transport operator TRANSERCO provided precious insights in each presentation. The participants of the seminar proactively exchanged their opinions on how to push forward the prevention of the traffic accidents caused by drunk-driving in Vietnam, having built on the preceeding presentations on outcomes of the JICA's Survey by Tokai Denshi and TRANSERCO as well as the Japan’s experience presented by Japan Breath Alcohol Testing Consortium (J-BAC).
The number of participants counted 68 from diversified backgrounds including the government agencies, Hanoi City , both Veitnamese and Japanese firms from different industries such as medical, logistics, trading, and finance.
After the seminar, the seminar hosts and organizer recieved various comments including “Vietnam requires to further develop its solid policy that serves as a backbone for various activities for prevention of drunk-driving” from a government officer, “the seimnar helped me understand how dangerous a drunk driving is” from a business person, and others. We hope this seminar serves as a first step for a new collaboration involving industry, government, and achademia from both Vietnam and Japan to eradicate traffic accidents by drunk driving. (Jun. 2023)

Seminar details (JICA Vietnam office on Facebook Page)

Area of business concerned: "06 Planning and Implementation of Transportation Measures"

On May 16th, 2023 the HCMC University of Transport organized the 35th Anniversary and invited various authorities and experts. Dr. Iwata Shizuo, former Director General of ALMEC Corporation, who is well known among the academic societies and agencies in HCMC, was invited to deliver a presentation on new approach to high-speed railway development in Vietnam.
Dr. Iwata stresses on the feasibility of high-speed railway development concepts, and with that, delivers an approach that can develop a new high-speed line while maintain and improve the existing railway services and infrastructure, requiring the least changes to the existing institutional framework in Vietnam.
However, realizing that the current preferences of Vietnam (either the northern section or the southern section, about 400km long each) would still be too much a burden for Vietnam and it will take too long until they will be in operation, Dr. Iwata elaborates his 10-year-old concept, namely the 70km long section of HSR in the Central Region, from Danang to Hue. Dr. Iwata explains it would help reducing train travel time between Da Nang and Hue, two big tourism destinations, by three hours by removing the bottlenecks, and also will provide ample opportunities for TOD, especially in Da Nang. (Jun. 2023)

Event details (HCMC University of Transport website / Vietnamese)

Tetsuo Kidokoro, Senior Consultant, Comprehensive Planning Division, Overseas Department, was awarded the International Contribution Award from the Institute of City Planning of Japan.
International Contribution Award from the Institute of City Planning of Japan is presented annually by the Institute to individuals who have been involved in international exchange in urban planning for many years and have contributed to exchange with overseas countries, as well as to the spread of awareness and human resource development. ( May 2023）

Details of the award (Institute of City Planning of Japan website)

The "Project for Modernization of Public Urban Transport in the City of Belgrade" (hereinafter referred to as "The Project") is undertakings various efforts to improve public transport services in the City with The Secretariat for Public Transport (hereinafter referred to as "SfPT").
Japan's cooperation with Belgrade City in the field of public transportation can be traced back to "The Project for Rehabilitation of the Public Transportation Capacity in Belgrade City" 20 years ago. The Project is doing panel exhibition at Kalemegdan Park to introduce Japan's continuous support for Belgrade's ever-changing public transportation challenges and how Japan can help citizens become more familiar with public transportation.
The Project will continue to further improve public transport services in the city through a good relationship with cooperation with SfPT. (Apr. 2023)

Project details (JICA website)

Area of business concerned: "05 Urban Transportation Projects"

The first Japan Study Tour was conducted as a part of the “The Project for Enhancing Capacity of Formulation of the Second Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan in Bangkok Metropolitan Region (M-MAP2)” (JICA). From 3rd April to 14th April 2023, 15 members of the Department of Rail Transport participated it including Director General, Dr. Pichet Kunadhamraks and Director of Strategy and Planning Division, Mr. Ruendej Mangkorndejsakul.
The Study Tour provided lectures from academia experts on the formulation of a master plan for mass rapid transit systems, including demand forecasting. It also includes lectures and site visit to the Tokyo Metro, JR East, Utsunomiya LRT, to learn not only about their railway business but also about the urban planning around the stations, such as Toranomon Hills Station and Takanawa Gateway. During the visit to Toyo Rapid Railway, the participants experienced the through operation from the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and also learned about urban development around Yachiyo Midorigaoka Station (Yachiyo City) and Funabashi Nichidai-mae Station (UR Urban Renaissance Agency).
On the last day, DRT staff and Director General Dr. Pichet gave a presentation on what they have learned in the Study Tour and future issues for the railway development in BMR. All of the participants appreciated that this Study Tour deepened their understanding of Japan’s railway development and integrated urban development, which they had leanred only through lectures. (Apr. 2023)

Project details (JICA website)

Area of business concerned: "03 Urban Transportation Planning"

As part of the "Global ITS Capacity Building and Trend Survey", I visited Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire for two weeks in March 2023 to investigate the local transport situation and ITS progress. Cote d'Ivoire is the third most powerful economy in the West Africa after Nigeria and Ghana, and has a large influence in the French-speaking world. The currency is the CFA franc, which is used by 8 West African countries.
With Abidjan's growing urbanization, traffic congestion has become a serious problem. During the commuter rush hours, one side of the street is jammed with heavy traffic, while the other side is rather a different world with almost no vehicles. There are many islands, and the bridges connecting the islands are always the bottlenecks. Public buses and shared-ride buses are operating well, but the number of taxis is overwhelming, so the local government and donors from various countries are focusing on how to shift users to public transport. In addition to JICA, the World Bank, African Development Bank, AFD of France, Chinese government, and Millennium Challenge Corporation of the U.S. are implementing various projects, especially the construction of metro line 1 is promising. Road construction includes several PPP projects led by the private sector. Even if ETC is installed people tend to pay in cash on toll roads. According to the road management unit, by increasing the number of ETC lanes, users would notice the convenience and slightly change to ETC.
Many people are also selling water, fruits, remote controls, toys, and carpets in the midst of traffic congestion. This is one of the causes of traffic congestion, but I thought it was really hard for them to work and earn money under such working environment with high risk of accidents. Traffic planning is not only about traffic improvement and safety, but also about securing jobs to support their livelihood as a social consideration.
I felt that what transport should focus on is not only the construction but also ITS and traffic safety on the soft side. It would be good to start early, especially since long-term efforts are needed to change traffic behavior and awareness of the citizens. (Feb. 2023)

Li Chen-Wei

Area of business concerned: "03 Urban Transportation Planning"

Brunei Darussalam, a small country in Southeast Asia, is a rich country with abundant oil and natural gas. The 2021 current GDP per capita is over USD30,000, and Bruneians are exempted from medical and education fees and several taxes.
Most people in Brunei heavily depend on cars for their daily lives. Even the residents of Kampong Ayer, the largest water village in the world, also have their cars parked on the land. On the other hand, when you cross a non-signalized street, you will often see drivers giving way to you. This pedestrian-priority culture embedded in Bruneians' minds is sure to contribute to a safer road society.
The ASEAN-Japan Road Traffic Safety Joint Study (MLIT) aims to share road safety issues and challenges among ASEAN Member States. I hope that, sharing this kind of social customs as well as besides best practices in each country would enhance road safety in the ASEAN region. (Feb. 2023)

Tomohiro Ito

Area of business concerned: "07 Planning and Implementation of Transportation Measures"

In Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, the urban railway Line 6 started its pre-operation at the end of 2022.
Based on the Strategic Transport Plan for Dhaka, which ALMEC prepared under the technical cooperation of JICA in 2016, Dhaka City has worked on urban railway development. The remaining sections of Line 6, Line 1 and Line 5 (Northern Line) will be developed with Yen-Loan in future. In line with those development, JICA Research institute has initiated the research to examine socio-economic impact of the urban railway development on residents along the railway lines. As its base-line survey, ALMEC conducts household interview Survey. Computer-assisted personal interview with tablets is applied for efficient interview and data analysis.
The Research intends to conduct post-operation survey 2 or 3 years after the railway opening and to quantify the changes of people’s life and traffic behaviour by comparing with the result of pre-opening survey. It is expected that the research will be useful to verify urban railway network development in future. (Jan. 2023)

Area of business concerned: "12 Research and Development"