Perspectives and Challenges on Transportation Passenger Service with Private Car (Paratransit) in Japan

Abstract

With the increasing number of elderly people who give up driving their private cars, the use of passenger transport with private cars, which supplements conventional public transportation and supports outings such as shopping and outings through the cooperation of volunteer organizations and local communities, will become increasingly important in the future. In this paper, the authors clarified the situation in providing mobility to the elderly, disabled people, and residents in rural areas using passenger service with private cars by reviewing the Road Transport Act in Japan and considering historical law amendment. Additionally, this study shows the current situation, challenges, and perspective through a questionnaire survey to nonprofit organizations.