Impacts of subjective evaluations and inertia from existing travel modes on adoption of autonomous mobility-on-demand. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mo, Baichuan; Wang, Qing Yi; Moody, Joanna; Shen, Yu; Zhao, Jinhua
• Is Part Of: Transportation research. Volume 130(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Autonomous vehicles -- Mode choice -- Mixed logit model -- Factor analysis -- Latent variables -- Inertia; Transportation -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; 388.011
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trc.2021.103281
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-090X

Abstract

Highlights: Model how subjective evaluation of existing modes influence autonomous mobility-on-demand (AMOD) adoption. Model impact of inertia from existing travel modes on AMOD choice. Find that subjective evaluations and inertia both predict mode choice. Particularly, positive evaluations and current use of ridehailing are strongly predictive of AMOD choice. Abstract: As autonomous vehicle (AV) technology advances, it is important to understand its potential demand and user characteristics. Literature from stated preference surveys find that attitudes and current travel behavior are as or more important than demographics in determining intention to purchase or use AVs. Yet to date no study has looked at how attitudes and use of existing modes both simultaneously affect AV adoption. In this study, we conduct a stated preference survey in Singapore to investigate how the subjective evaluation of existing travel modes (attitudes) and inertia based on previous use of existing modes affect the adoption of an autonomous mobility-on-demand service (AMOD). Using a sample size of 2, 003 individuals and 11, 613 choice observations, we estimate a mixed logit discrete choice model incorporating latent variables capturing subjective evaluations of existing travel modes (determined through confirmatory factor analysis), a two-part formulation of modal inertia, and other trip-specific and socio-demographic variables. Results show that subjective evaluation and use of existing modes both affect the adoption of AMOD. Specifically, people with a positive evaluation of ridehailing and those who are current ridehailing users are more likely to choose AMOD. Additionally, those who are current car drivers are more likely to choose AMOD, while users of public transit were less likely to choose AMOD. Given that ridehailing is the closest existing mode to our hypothetical AMOD service, our results might suggest that how AVs are implemented and their similarity to existing modes may be critical to the formation of attitudes and direction of inertia impacting adoption. Our research provides insights on the potential relationship between AVs and existing modes that could valuable in AV network design and service planning.