土木学会論文集D3(土木計画学)
Online ISSN : 2185-6540
ISSN-L : 2185-6540
土木計画学研究・論文集 第38巻(特集)
A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE TRAVEL BEHAVIOR OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN A RURAL AREA IN JAPAN
Marjan KHALEGHIHirokazu KATOYuuki OONO
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2021 年 76 巻 5 号 p. I_1185-I_1196

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In rural areas of Japan, known for depopulation issues, convenient mobility and accessibility depend on private cars. This trend has also been a burden for maintaining public transport, which is also vital for nondrivers like children. Hence, local authorities are taking actions to promote public transport among children, specifically for their non-school trips. However, many factors affect the use/choice of public transport for non-school trips among children, which need to be investigated from children’s perspectives. This study focuses on junior high school students (12-14 years) who are less mobile than high school students in Japan’s rural areas. This research aims to uncover the underlying factors affecting their travel behavior for non-school trips. Nineteen focus group volunteers (1st/2nd grade) were recruited from the two junior high schools of the two distinctive areas of Minamiise town in Mie Prefecture. Interviews were conducted in two groups (nine and ten participants/group). A translator and a Japanese researcher were present in both sessions, and the collected interview contents were analyzed qualitatively. In non-school trips, ‘distance,’ ‘parental influence,’ ‘children’s experience,’ ‘having friends as companions,’ and ‘social support’ seemed to be amongst the most critical factors influencing children’s travel behavior. These factors thoroughly affected self-autonomy and children’s confidence in taking active and public transport modes. Physical characteristics of their living areas, such as safety perception, also appeared to be important in shaping a negative attitude towards walking and cycling. As for public transport, the high cost of trips, non-frequent operation, and individuals’ insufficient knowledge of using the service were some of the underlying barriers. Moreover, the authors found a positive relationship between earlier school ending time and more non-school trips on weekdays. Finally, there was a significant difference in public transport usage for non-school trips between the two town areas.

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© 2021 Japan Society of Civil Engineers
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