Current state and issues of public transportation in 12 municipalities affected by the nuclear disaster in Fukushima after the lift of evacuation orders

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify current status and issues concerning public transportation in 12 municipalities affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster after the lift of evacuation orders. Most of returnees are healthy elderly persons. They worry about becoming unable to drive a car in near future although they go to shopping centers or hospitals located in neighboring municipalities by car at present. It is necessary to develop the sustainable public transportation system in each municipality and to discuss the regional public transportation system by collaboration of municipalities and the Fukushima Prefectural Government.