The Driverless Bus: An Analysis of Public Perceptions and Acceptability

Abstract

The development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) holds a high potential for improving security, reducing congestion, increasing fuel efficiency, and saving time. Various studies conducted on the implementation of AVs predict that fully autonomous vehicles will be available for the public in the 2020s. However, it will take another three decades, at least, for these vehicles and technologies to be accepted among the general masses and become reliable and affordable for use. Nonetheless, while a great deal has been stated regarding autonomous cars, little attention has been paid to autonomous public transport, more specifically, autonomous buses (ABs). The present report analyzed the psychological barriers preventing the complete implementation of ABs through data collected from focus group (FG) discussions. The main objective of the FGs was to determine the factors influencing perceptions regarding ABs and their acceptability. The most important factors from the positive side were the reduction of personnel costs, the potential to decrease congestion, waiting time at intersections, and reduced emissions. On the other hand, the most important negative factors were an increase in vehicle and infrastructure costs, safety risks under certain conditions (e.g., system failures, terrorist attacks, etc.), and the possible reduction of employment opportunities.

The Determinants behind the Acceptance of Autonomous Vehicles: A Systematic Review

“…Autonomous driving is developing rapidly, and at present it is probably at the L3 stage. Some optimistic remarks are predicting that L5 AVs may appear in 2030s [83,140]. Autonomous driving is expected to bring benefits such as ease of traffic congestion and independent mobility.…”

A Review of the Transformation of Road Transport Systems: Are We Ready for the Next Step in Artificially Intelligent Sustainable Transport?

“…These integrated transport systems (i.e., AV buses equipped with transit prioritisation schemes) may have improved ride comfort and travel time over conventional buses, as also demonstrated in a microsimulation study by Nguyen et al [30]. This may aid in a largescale acceptance of AV buses by the public due to time savings, low cost and high ride comfort [31].…”

“…Although at present the procurement and purchase costs of private and public AVs may be a concern [31] for practical implications, the research covered in Table 1 above shows that these high initial costs may be offset by life-cycle ownership costs, specifically fuel cost savings. Environmental impacts notwithstanding, the travel time and ride comfort factors may be the primary drivers of AV adoption for public transport and ride-sharing transit systems, and as such, should be focused in future research.…”

Service Quality and Service Gap of Autonomous Driving Group Rapid Transit System

“…Regarding sustainability, as environmental aspects of urban settlements has gained strength and significance, technology usage has been found to be related to environmental problems and sustainability [1]. According to López-Lambas and Alonso [17], autonomous driving is energy-wise more efficient and controlled. Vehicles of GRT systems apply eco-driving patterns and are programmed to minimize energy consumption by using electricity or cleaner fuels.…”