User acceptance of automated shuttles in Berlin-Schöneberg: A questionnaire study

Abstract

Automated shuttles are now in a prototyping phase in several research projects. However, there is still a paucity of knowledge on the acceptance of these shuttles. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire study among individuals (n = 384) who physically experienced an automated shuttle on an office campus in Berlin-Schöneberg. The findings indicate that the respondents were positive towards automated shuttles and could envision their use as feeders to public transport systems, in both urban and rural areas. The respondents were less satisfied with the effectiveness of the shuttle compared to their existing form of travel, the speed of the shuttle, and the space for luggage. A principal component analysis resulted in the retention of three components: (1) intention to use, (2) shuttle and service characteristics, and (3) shuttle effectiveness compared to existing transport. Older respondents expressed a higher intention to use, but found the shuttle less effective than their existing travel. We argue that automated shuttles are a valued concept, but speed and efficiency have to improve, in order for automated shuttles to become viable on a wide scale. Future research should use more objective measures and establish longterm effects in larger, more representative samples.

Acceptance of Driverless Vehicles: Results from a Large Cross-National Questionnaire Study

“…The perceived enjoyment of taking a ride in driverless vehicles was also rated positively by respondents (M = 4.90/6, Q37). This corresponds with Nordhoff et al [20], who found that respondents strongly agreed with the statement that the driverless vehicle was fun and enjoyable after having taken a ride in the vehicle (M = 5.40/6). Our respondents gave the highest rating (M = 5.18/6, Q36) to being able to take over control from a driverless vehicle by a button inside the vehicle to stop it, which indicates that participants want to be able to retain some degree of control over the driverless vehicle.…”

“…In contrast, one online survey study in their review [19] found that people aged 36 to 65 had a more positive attitude and a stronger intention to use automated vehicles than people aged 18 to 35. In Nordhoff et al [20], older people were more likely to intend to use driverless vehicles and were more positive towards the vehicle characteristics, but gave lower ratings to the effectiveness of the vehicle compared to their existing travel mode.…”

“…Second, the survey instructions did not include a reference to the capabilities of the driverless vehicle, nor its speed. Current prototypes of driverless vehicles drive at a speed of 8 to 20 km/h [20]. It can be assumed that these speeds are too slow for integrating these vehicles into traffic without jeopardizing traffic flow efficiency or the acceptance by potential users.…”

Framework for planning the mobility service based on autonomous vehicles

“…The reactions to service based on AVs were positive as part of the project CityMobil2 [14]. The users could envision it as a feeder mobility service to public transportation [15].…”

What impressions do users have after a ride in an automated shuttle? An interview study

“…Various research projects are pursuing the development and introduction of automated shuttles (e.g., Transport Systems Catapult, 2016;WEpods, 2017). The public's acceptance of automated vehicles has been investigated in a number of questionnaire studies (e.g., Eden, Nanchen, Ramseyer, & Evéquoz, 2017a;Nordhoff, De Winter, Kyriakidis, Van Arem, & Happee, 2018;Nordhoff, De Winter, Madigan, et al, 2018;Vöge & McDonald, 2003). Most studies involved respondents who were asked to imagine automated vehicles, while some studies asked respondents to rate actual automated vehicles after physically experiencing them.…”