The Impact of Bus Fare Policies on Healthy Life Expectancy in Core Cities in Japan

抄録

This study surveyed city officials to gather data on bus fare policies for the elderly in Core Cities in Japan. We identified several measures, such as free bus fares for them, fixed fares, such as 100 yen (Approx. 0.75 U.S. dollars As of February 14, 2023) per ride, unlimited bus rides for a monthly fee, and discounted bus fares. Next, we conducted an analysis using propensity score matching to determine the relationship between the implementation of these measures and healthy life expectancy (HLE) and average life expectancy (ALE). The results showed that cities with a "Flat Fare" or "Bus Fare Policy" had higher HLE and ALE for both men and women than those without such a policy.