INTRODUCTION PROCESS AND PRACTICAL PROBLEMS OF THE PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICE BY VOLUNTEERS

Abstract

 Passenger Transport service by volunteers is attracting attention as a means of securing passenger transport for daily lives in traffic blank areas. This is the service that does not require a license or registration under the Road Transport Vehicle Act. In this study, we collected information and conducted interviews on the service in 10 locations in Japan that are currently operating or used to operate the service, and compared the study process, introduction process, and practical problems to clarify the various realities according to regional characteristics. As a result, it was found that 12 factors are important for the introduction, including the existence of key persons, volunteer drivers, and a reasonable operation plan. In addition, five practical problems were identified, such as the increased burden on drivers and the lack of successors. The study process was classified into three categories: transportation perspective, community development perspective, and welfare perspective. Thus, we provided basic data for organizations that are considering the introduction of the service.