Safety Measure of the Streetcar in Kochi

In this study, we introduce the attempt by Regional ITS Infrastructure Research Center to ensure the safety of streetcar passengers in Kochi. There are many streetcar stops with no safety barriers where both passengers and automobile drivers are exposed to danger of traffic accidents. We implemented a solution using ITS technology to the problems of streetcar stops with no safety barriers. As the result, safety consciousness of the driver rose, and the sense of security of the passengers rose, too. We also introduce other security measures and our study schedule for the future. In Kochi prefecture, people's lives and regional activities are highly dependent on road transportation. Streetcars, that run in the center of Kochi prefecture are also an important daily transportation measure for children or elderly people, and a means of commuting for the office workers in the area. However, Both passengers and automobile drivers are often exposed to danger because the streetcar tracks and automobile roads cross diagonally in many places, and there are many streetcar stops with no safety barriers. A fundamental change in physical infrastructure, for example, the road expansion is often not a possibility due to time and budget constraints. The Regional ITS Infrastructure Research Center has developed a strategy for the streetcar stops with no safety barriers and analyze the safety at the intersection by applying the traffic simulator. We got cooperation of Kochi prefecture government and the industry in Kochi. The strategy for the safety measures supports the improvement of the safety, convenience, and user-friendliness in the area. We introduce the practical examples of solutions to the safety problem of the streetcar stops without safety barriers, which is peculiar to Kochi area.