The Role and Effect of movement for supporting local railway by citizens

- Referring to the discontinuance problem of the Nankai Kishigawa Line -

Abstract

Local railway operators are currently facing a difficult situation. Referring to the discontinuance problem of the Kishigawa Line, this study aims to highlight the elements necessary for citizen groups to develop effective action plans to resolve issues. The study was conducted through interviews with private operators, local governments, and citizens' groups to identify the individual roles of these groups and the ways in which they cooperate with each other. The results suggest that regional organizations have a great effect on the survival movement; they cooperate with them to play a different role. They also allow smooth collaboration among citizen organizations who act as an intermediary between them. It was also found that it is important for even a small group of people to have a sense of ownership and to take action in the initial stages of the dis-continuance problem.