One in five elementary school students uses a "parent taxi" every day—Considering the future of school drop-offs and pick-ups in Japan based on the latest data from Germany

According to a recent survey conducted in Germany, approximately 19% of elementary school students commute to and from school daily in their parents' cars, known as "parent taxis," and an additional 9% are driven on alternate days. The survey, commissioned by the ADAC (German Automobile Club) Foundation, involved 1,000 parents with children aged 5 to 15. It highlights that practical reasons such as **"time constraints," "weather," and "running errands"** are the main factors behind this trend, while also pointing out the side effects of congestion and danger in front of schools. Another survey in 2024 confirmed that **"the frequency of drop-offs and pick-ups fluctuates with the school term (light and dark seasons),"** revealing the tension between parental "rationality" and urban transport "safety and environmental impact." This article organizes specific data from Germany and compares it with the current situation in Japan, including "group commuting," "watchful guardians," and "school zones," proposing practical steps to support the balance of "safety and independence" for families, schools, and municipalities. The key concepts are **"drop-off nearby, not at the school," "designing safe routes," and "re-education on walking and cycling."** The act of dropping off and picking up is not inherently "bad," but designing a smart balance is crucial.