City of Arlington: Users’ and Nonusers’ Attitudes and Perceptions of Shared Autonomous Vehicles: A Case Study in Arlington, Texas

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Title: Users’ and Nonusers’ Attitudes and Perceptions of Shared Autonomous Vehicles: A Case Study in Arlington, Texas

Authors: Ronik Ketankumar Patel (University of Texas at Arlington), Roya Etminani-Ghasrodashti (Texas A&M Transportation Institute), Sarareh Kermanshachi (University of Texas at Arlington), Jay Michael Rosenberger (University of Texas at Arlington), Ann Foss (City of Arlington)

Published in: International Conference on Transportation and Development

Publication Date: June 13, 2023

Abstract: Shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) are projected by experts to transform transportation, but consumers will decide whether they are actually a success. This study aims to identify the perceptions, attitudes, concerns, and preferences of people who experienced a pilot demonstration of SAVs that had been integrated with current transportation systems. It applies ordinal logistic regression to analyze the survey data collected from the users and nonusers of the SAV service and analyzes the results of interviews conducted in the post-deployment phase of the project. The results of the survey analysis indicate that the ease of using AVs, which, among other things, eliminates the need for parking, is positively correlated with individuals’ willingness to use SAVs. Conversely, concerns and confusion about having both drivers and AVs on the street are negatively correlated with individuals’ willingness to use SAVs. Virtual interviews with users and nonusers in the post-deployment phase of the project revealed that waiting time, pickup and drop-off locations, and the inability of AVs to make tight turns at intersections were major concerns for SAV service users. This study provides insights into the perceptions and attitudes of those who do and do not use the service and identifies strategies to successfully integrate an SAV service with an existing transportation network to enhance SAV operations.r instance, younger users usually ride Handitran for traveling to work, recreational activities, and routine chores, while senior riders often use the service for medical and recreational trips. The results of the GWR model indicate that the major determinants of Handitran usage are the population’s percentage of older adults, racial distribution, and household vehicle ownership; the coefficients of these factors vary across the city. Hot-spot analyses’ results reveal that integrating the services will improve the efficiency of the existing transportation system by responding to the excess rider demand, particularly in the downtown area. Finally, we describe the implications of implementing policies for AV integration for cities, service providers, and other stakeholders and suggest future research topics.