Riding in an autonomous car: What about the user perspective?

Kurzfassung

Autonomous driving has come within reach and is expected to have significant impact on the way we travel and how the transport system develops. The user will play an important role for the dynamics of autonomous driving implementation. Key issues are the impact of mode choice behavior and the increased attractiveness of road transport because of the possibility for alternative time use while riding in a self-driving vehicle. The article shows that although people have just started thinking about autonomous driving and imaginable consequences for their personal life, a significant share of them is aware that the self-driving car could change their mode choice behavior. At the same time, however, people do not anticipate major changes in travel time use – at least not at present. This brings into question the frequently addressed remarks on t e particular usefulness of autonomous driving for alternative (and more productive) travel time use.