Acceptance and usage of demand‑responsive transport among people in poor health: Evidence from Senboku New Town

Demand-responsive transport (DRT) is promoted as an inclusive solution to first- and last-mile mobility challenges; however, there is limited information on the opportunities and challenges associated with its adoption by individuals in poor health. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the acceptability and utilization of DRT among these individuals. Senboku New Town (Senboku-NT), a representative Japanese old New-Town, was selected for the investigation. In Senboku-NT, a cross-sector partnership program was implemented to engage local communities in operating the DRT project. The results demonstrated that behavioral intention (BI) was positively influenced by habit (Ha), personal innovativeness (PI), and citizens’ engagement (CE). Additionally, use behavior (UB) was positively affected by Ha and PI. A key finding was the relationship between CE and BI, underscoring the crucial role of community involvement in DRT adoption. The impact of CE on BI was more substantial among individuals in good health compared to those with poor health. However, the findings revealed that BI alone is insufficient to ensure UB, especially for individuals in poor health. Despite a high willingness to use DRT, many individuals in poor health faced barriers, including a lack of nearby mobility spots, unclear location information, and difficulties using smartphone booking systems. The results support the recommendation to increase the density of mobility spots in residential areas to enhance DRT accessibility for vulnerable populations.