Relational Analysis of User Density, Number of Train Services and Population around Rail Stations on Local Railways in Japan

In recent years, the number of cities aiming at compact cities that centers on public transportation and concentrate residence and urban functions around them has increased. However, there are very few cities that are actively promoting policies to improve the convenience of railways, which should play a central role in such cities. It is possible that there are some relationships between the convenience of railways and change in urban structure. Therefore, this study examines the influence of local railways on urban structure by analyzing changes in the user density overtime, the number of train services and population around rail stations, and their mutual relationship, focusing on railway and tramway in local cities. In addition, local railways and tramways have been classified by two business operators, and the relationships between the user density, the number of train services, and the population around rail stations have been analyzed and examined by business operators.