A Study on the Evaluation of the Freight Shinkansen by Nationwide Freight Network

Abstract

In recent years, freight transport by motor vehicles has been increasing rapidly. It has caused energy problems and global warming issues. Therefore, a modal shift to rail and ship is required. However, it is difficult because these modes cannot meet recent demand for freight transport, such as multi- frequency. So the authors built a nationwide freight network data, setting detailed service of Freight Shinkansen(bullet train), modeled the selection of transport, and evaluated benefits to determine its usefulness. As a result, the authors clarified that Freight Shinkansen between Shinagawa and Shinosaka reduced about 253 thousand tons of cargo transportation by motor vehicles. The total cargo volume of Freight Shinkansen was about 270 thousand tons, and the cost benefit ratio was 1.805. In conclusion, Freight Shinkansen can be considered socially beneficial.In recent years, freight transport by motor vehicles has been increasing rapidly. It has caused energy problems and global warming issues. Therefore, a modal shift to rail and ship is required. However, it is difficult because these modes cannot meet recent demand for freight transport, such as multi- frequency. So the authors built a nationwide freight network data, setting detailed service of Freight Shinkansen(bullet train), modeled the selection of transport, and evaluated benefits to determine its usefulness. As a result, the authors clarified that Freight Shinkansen between Shinagawa and Shinosaka reduced about 253 thousand tons of cargo transportation by motor vehicles. The total cargo volume of Freight Shinkansen was about 270 thousand tons, and the cost benefit ratio was 1.805. In conclusion, Freight Shinkansen can be considered socially beneficial.