Exploring the Accessibility and Acceptability of Shared Autonomous Transport for Vulnerable Users

Kurzfassung

Shared autonomous transport is currently attracting a great deal of interest in research and practice. However, it is unclear whether this transport service will also make mobility more inclusive, as in most pilot studies, the vehicles and services are not designed to meet the diverse needs of potential users. A study applying a mixed-method approach was administered investigating the concerns of people with different mobility impairments when assessing shared autonomous transport and the role of driving personnel for traveling safely, accessibly, and conveniently. In the qualitative part, five focus groups were conducted with 33 persons from different vulnerable user groups: wheelchair users, senior citizens, care-givers, visually impaired people and parents of young children to approach their needs and requirements. The quantitative part consisted of an online survey of people with and without mobility impairments (N = 288). Here, the aim was to determine the role of the presence of driving personnel for the intention to use shared autonomous transport and the relationship with interindividual need for interaction. The study results indicate that the initial presence of driving personnel in the vehicle seems to play a crucial role for the acceptability of these target groups. Based on the study results, design recommendations and measures are derived to increase acceptability and accessibility among vulnerable target groups and should be used to inform the design and operation of shared autonomous transport services.