A Possibility of Community Bus Replacement Service Provided by Taxi

Abstract

In this study, we investigated whether community buses with fewer users would be replaced with the taxi (not shared taxi) in the view point of local transportation policy. Firstly, the meanings of public transportation provided by taxis is discussed from each side of municipalities, taxi operators, taxi drivers. Secondly, as a case study, we estimated the cost saving effect of local public transportation in Toyota city, Aichi prefecture, Japan. As a result, it is indicated that 1) it can be expected that taxi can be used as a local public transportation in a situation where the density of transportation demand is low, 2) it is suggested that operating expenses of a local public transportation can be reduced by 20 - 70%, 3) As a regional characteristics, the areas which have an inefficient bus route with a large detour ratio are suitable for replacement community buses with taxi with mileage system fare.