An analysis offers deployment tips for cities considering implementation of AV shuttles.
Arlington, Texas, United States
Integration of shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) into existing transportation services: A focus group study
Summary Information
Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) are expected to significantly transform mobility. However, their deployment and utilization by the public strongly depends on their perception by potential users. A 2020 study from researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington sought to gain a better understanding of public AV perception by convening focus groups that included members of the general public, university faculty and students, and people with disabilities. Part of the study's aim was to include perspectives from potential AV users in areas that do not already have a range of multimodal transportation options.
Researchers led the focus groups and analyzed the ensuing discussions to generate recommendations for the City of Arlington, which is considering an integration of shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) into its existing ride-hailing service.
- Consider different users' priorities. While the "general public" focus group considered it critical for a transit service to be able to connect them with recreational facilities and events at late hours, participants with disabilities emphasized their ability to access health-care facilities. Different users will have different needs that influence their mode choice.
- SAV designs should be flexible to user needs. Vehicles that are inaccessible to travelers who use mobility devices such as wheelchairs will be unable to serve large portions of the population.
- Implement design choices that encourage gradual trust in SAVs. Limiting SAVs to slow speeds, for example, can make potential riders feel safer, while human operators can reinforce this sense of safety in addition to being able to provide travelers with disabilities with assistance in boarding the vehicle.
- Use the service to promote itself. Providing free SAV trips to passengers at the launch of the service may encourage users to try it out when they would otherwise be hesitant. The focus groups' discussions reinforced the hypothesis that travelers are likely to be more confident in AV technologies after experiencing them firsthand.
