Investigating the social situation in autonomous shuttles

Abstract (2022)

Authors

Ole Aasvik Institute of Transport Economics
M. Hagenzieker Transport and Planning - CEG
Pål Ulleberg Universitetet i Oslo
Torkel Bjørnskau Institute of Transport Economics
Research Group
Transport and Planning (CEG) (TU Delft)
More Info
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Published Date

2022

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Transport and Planning

Research Group

Transport and Planning

Abstract

Background

Autonomous shuttles (AS) could grow to be more efficient, greener, safer and cost-efficient than current transport solutions. To harvest the full potential of future transport, we depend on their public adoption. The employment of shared, stewardless electric AS will create a novel social situation which there is a paucity of knowledge about.

The main public transport provider in the Oslo-region, Ruter, seek to develop a mobility-as-a-service using small stewardless robot taxis for 6-8 passengers. Their shuttles are modified vans that might feel intimate. This novel social situation of being picked up at home by a stewardless AS, may impact the adoption of such services.

Previous research has explored theoretical frameworks such as the Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), which recently was molded into the Multi-Level Model on Automated Vehicle Acceptance (MAVA). No research has yet investigated the role of the social situation for AS acceptance or tested the MAVA experimentally.

The current study will explore how the social situation affects acceptance of AS using an experimental design. Experimental conditions are based on key constructs identified in the MAVA and the theory of Social Dominance Orientation (SDO). Possible moderating effects of personality traits are also studied.

Method

This study will build on previous research from pilots near Oslo that show ambivalent reactions to sharing AS with strangers. We will gather data using a large-scale experimental online survey to the general Norwegian public. Experimental elements could be presented by manipulating text, images or video. Likely manipulations are seat orientation, presence of a steward, number of passengers present, and safety measures such as emergency stop buttons.

Results & Conclusions

The study is ongoing, results will be available at the conference. Analyses will focus on exploring the role of the social situation in acceptance of AS. We will seek to experimentally test factors from the MAVA, and how this relates to other theoretical constructs that explore the social situation. The conclusions drawn from this study will impact the integration of autonomous transport systems in Norway and internationally.