Airport News Japan

PTPS to Shorten Travel Times on Airport Shuttles between Haneda and Locations Including Shinjuku

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An optical beacon installed on road.

On October 31, Chuo Ward, Tokyo-based Airport Transport Service Co., Ltd., which operates "limousine buses" (shuttle buses) between airports and various locations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, began using the Public Transportation Priority System (PTPS) to shorten travel times between Haneda Airport and Shinjuku and others routes.

The new system uses preferential traffic signal control for airport shuttle buses to improve convenience and shorten travel times between airports and major stations and hotels. As part of the 10-Year Plan being implemented by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the system is being introduced in a partnership between the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

Optical beacons have been installed on roads in three areas (the Shinjuku Station area, the coastal subcenter area and the eastern 23-ward area) that recognize airport shuttle buses as they approach intersections. The Traffic Control Center receives the information and then shortens red lights or extends green lights on the routes the buses run on to give them priority.

With the introduction of the PTPS, Airport Transport Service expects travel times on routes in the three areas to shorten by 5 to 10 minutes during rush hour. The system will be gradually expanded to other areas as well.

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