Evaluating students’ perceptions of fully autonomous vehicles and shared mobility

Abstract: The convergence of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and shared mobility as shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) has the potential to alter the current transportation landscape through improved safety, mobility, and affordability. To receive such benefits and drive the successful implementation of these vehicles, public acceptance must be realized. Prior to the widespread deployment of Level 5 SAVs, public receptivity and opinions must be thoroughly assessed. Previous studies have identified university-educated individuals as early adopters of emerging technologies, such as Level 5 SAVs. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how current university students perceived fully autonomous vehicles and their integration into RAPID (Rideshare Automation and Payment Integration Demonstration), an autonomous ride-hailing service located in Arlington, Texas. Moreover, the study sought to investigate how attitudes change as automation levels rise. To achieve the study objectives, a qualitative approach was utilized to conduct structured interviews with 20 participants and analyze the data collected using grounded theory. The results showed that RAPID users had a more favorable opinion of AV technology following their first-hand exposure to AVs. Most respondents indicated a preference towards partially automated vehicles and attributed this inclination to the belief that AV technology was not mature enough yet to be fully operational without a human driver. Moreover, both RAPID users and non-users expressed concerns about riding a Level 5 SAV without a safety attendant present. Insights from both prospective and current SAV users can help define recommendations for the successful integration of fully autonomous vehicles into the current transportation system.