Addressing the Challenge of "Congestion," Discussing Future Measures. The Latest Issue of Transportation Research Journal "Transportation and Economy" Released on Tuesday, May 12, 2026

The Institute of Transportation Economics (located in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Makoto Takahashi) released the May issue of "Transportation and Economy," a specialized journal for transportation research with the theme "Considering Congestion," on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

As spring brings new beginnings, many may have faced unfamiliar congestion during their commute (to school) or return home on trains and buses, or while traveling during Golden Week.

The latest issue of "Transportation and Economy" focuses on traffic "congestion" that can occur not only in Tokyo but also in regional areas. Through a symposium, interviews with transportation operators, and five articles, it discusses the current understanding and analysis of congestion, its mechanisms, introduces actual measures, and explores possible future strategies.

Cover of "Transportation and Economy" May 2026 issue / Photo: Editorial Office

Available for purchase on the Institute's website and Amazon.

What is "Transportation and Economy"? https://www.itej.or.jp/unkei

Special Feature Addressing the Challenge of "Congestion"

In the symposium, Odakyu Electric Railway, which operates lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area, reported on the actual situation of congestion and introduced their efforts to alleviate congestion through information provision. Professor Honda of Toyama University presented the congestion situation and challenges in regional areas, including Ainokaze Toyama Railway, which is a local lifeline and heavily used by inbound tourists on holidays, along with photographs.

In an interview with Tokyo Metro (Tokyo Metropolitan Subway), they introduced real-time congestion information provided via apps and station displays, which is useful for parents with strollers and those carrying large luggage, as well as the visualization of "seat availability" information through paid services.

Furthermore, the opening pages feature the initiatives of Odakyu Electric Railway and Tokyo Metro in color.

In the articles, challenges and countermeasures for congestion at highway bus terminals and airport security checkpoints are also introduced. This issue provides useful information for users who wish to avoid congestion and crowding, organizes approaches to congestion, and offers a broad perspective.

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Table of Contents (Special Feature "Considering Congestion")

Table of Contents (Special Feature "Considering Congestion")

● Foreword "Congestion Relief" Kiyohito Utsunomiya (Professor, Kansai University)

● Symposium "Considering Congestion - Towards Railway Congestion Relief -"

Shinichiro Hachiyama / Yasufumi Ochiai (Odakyu Electric Railway)

Yutaka Honda (Professor, Toyama University)

Eiji Hato (Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)

Kiyohito Utsunomiya (Professor, Kansai University)

● Articles

"Economic Theory of Traffic Congestion" Se-il Moon (Professor, Graduate School of Doshisha University)

"Application of Price Mechanism for Railway Congestion Relief - Introduction of Empirical Research and Implications for Japan -" Ryosuke Matsumoto (Railway Technical Research Institute)

● Interview "Congestion Relief through Information Provision - Making Subways More User-Friendly -"

Ryota Ozawa / Hideyuki Yoshino / Kohei Miura (Tokyo Metro)

● Articles

"Congestion and Countermeasures at Highway Bus Terminals - Comparison with Railway Stations and Airports -" Ryuichi Narisada (Highway Bus Marketing Research Institute)

"Airport Congestion Measures" Mikio Arai (JAL Aviation Future Lab)

"Is the Congestion Problem Old News!? ~Towards 'Doubling Public Transport' in Kumamoto, the World's 4th Most Congested City~" Kohei Ota (Traffic Brain)

Series also introduce overseas congestion situations

In "European Railway Yoyomabanashi" by European Railway Photo Writer Mr. Hashizume, this issue covers European railway congestion. With local photographs, it delivers insights into the situation during holiday seasons in Europe, where people sometimes take long paid vacations and spend their time leisurely.

In the omnibus-style "Laboratory Introduction," researchers introduce their university laboratory's research themes each time. This time, Professor Ohatake of the Faculty of Engineering, Fukuyama University, contributed an article on research related to cities and lifestyles.

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Table of Contents (Series)

Table of Contents (Series)

● The Full Picture of Sightseeing Train Business

"How much does JR Kyushu's 'Nanatsuboshi' actually earn?" Naoki Osaka (Economic Journalist)

● European Railway Yoyomabanashi

"European Peak Season Congestion Situation" Tomoyuki Hashizume (European Railway Photo Writer)

● Towns, People, and Culture Created by Railways

"Railways and Telephones/Telegraphs" Masakazu Iwanari (Railway Researcher)

● Financial Strategies of Transportation Operators Unraveled by Keywords

"Business Environment and Business Models for Passengers and Freight" Ryota Himeno (J.P. Morgan Securities)

● Introduction to Transportation Economics

"How to Encourage Transportation Operators to Do Their Best" Kenzo Takeuchi (Professor, Tokyo Woman's Christian University)

● Laboratory Introduction

"Where do you want to live? - Relationship between Cities and Lifestyles -" Yuki Ohatake (Lecturer, Fukuyama University)

● Hachiya's Bookshelf - Vehicles are Reading Material -

"Points and Lines, Paper Moon" Asumi Hachiya (Travel Writer)

What is "Transportation and Economy"? Keywords: