Japanese Ferry Routes Under Pressure

Japanese Ferry Routes Under Pressure

The Japanese Transport Ministry has unveiled plans to make 1,626 km of the nation's expressways toll-free, representing 18% of the total expressway network. The experiment is in accordance with the ruling party's key election promise, however, it may have very negative consequences for many of the ferry routes. Several ferry routes have ceased recently as land transportation has become more competitive. The move has been criticised by many, saying it is devastating to promises to cut greenhouse gas emissions.