Research on Japanese Students’ Commute to School According to City Type: Understanding Commuting Time, Distance, and Transportation Means Through the Nationwide Person Trip Survey

Abstract

When considering the appropriate location of schools, it is necessary to consider commuting distance and transportation options, but the actual nationwide situation of school commuting is not clear. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the characteristics and trends in school commuting among students in Japan according to city type by analyzing the Nationwide Person Trip Survey. The characteristics of commuting to school differ by city type; compared to metropolitan areas, rural areas have more students who commute for longer distances and more likely to use bicycles or be transported by car. However, it has become clear that even within each region, for example, commuting distances and means of transportation differ between the central cities and surrounding cities or towns. Regarding trends in commuting to school, the proportion of walking has decreased, the proportion of traveling by train or car has increased, and the average commute distance has increased. It is therefore necessary to take measures that are tailored to local circumstances.