Challenges of Co-governance Construction in Rural Areas with Mobility Issues: Case Studies of Community-Based Transportation Services in Japan

Abstract

In many agricultural and mountainous villages, private cars are indispensable for daily life. If individuals cannot drive or do not have access to private transport, there is limited opportunity for mobility. While the resources of local governments are limited, in order to ensure enough means of transportation in these areas, it is necessary not only for local governments but also for multiple actors to cooperate to build their own transportation services. Based on a literature review and an interview survey regarding efforts to establish a community-based transport system, this paper focuses on the relationship between each actor in order to clarify how to coordinate interests and form a collaborative structure. It also highlights the challenges involved in various stages of this process.