Study on Behavior Change of LRT Users Using Smartphone Location Data

Abstract

In Japan, many cities are considering the introduction of LRT in order to solve various urban problems. It is expected that the introduction of LRT will not only provide a means of transportation, but also induce people to visit the city center, thereby contributing to the revitalization of the city center. On the other hand, it is difficult to continuously monitor the effects of the introduction of LRT using conventional methods such as questionnaire surveys. Therefore, in this study, we developed a method to estimate the behavioral characteristics of LRT users in Toyama City by smartphone location data. In particular, we clarified the actual behavior change of LRT users triggered by COVID-19. The analysis revealed that COVID-19 reduced the number of LRT users and at the same time, users significantly restricted their activities. This result indicates the usefulness of using smartphone location data to understand the actual status of LRT users, and suggests the possibility of utilizing this information for estimating the effects of LRT maintenance.