Tokyo, being the most populous metropolis in the world, must face many problems related to the distribution of goods within its area. The distribution system in the Tokyo metropolis has been developing since the 1960s and is currently supported by ICT solutions. The transport of goods also involves specific nuisances for the natural environment and human health, which is why it represents one of the greatest challenges facing the modern metropolis.This paper presents selected urban logistics solutions implemented in individual districts of Tokyo, as well as in the entire Metropolitan Area, which have contributed to the reduction of traffic congestion and pollutant emissions, the elimination of the problem of illegal street parking, and an increase in vehicle capacity utilization, thereby improving the quality of services provided. Particular attention is also paid to the “last mile” logistics solution developed by a leading Japanese courier company.
1. Introduction
It can be stated that in 2007, humanity crossed the Rubicon, as for the first time in history, more than 50% of the world’s population lived in urban areas, representing an “urban species” – homo urbanus. Urbanization is, on one hand, a great hope, and on the other, the greatest global challenge of the 21st century. A hope, because the city is a place for creating material and non-material values, centers of culture, hubs for comfortable living, and the building of social contacts and bonds. A challenge, because uncontrolled urbanization processes and the growing “ecological footprint” (the amount of land that residents use for their needs) of cities in highly developed countries pose social, economic, and ecological threats. According to a report by the World Wide Fund for Nature, between 1961 and 2000, the global “ecological footprint” increased by 80% and already exceeds the Earth’s biological capacity by 20%. (…)
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Source: Logistyka Magazine