Research on the Mode Choice Intention of the Elderly for Autonomous Vehicles Based on the Extended Ecological Model

Huiqian Sun, Peng Jing, Mengxuan Zhao, Yuexia Chen, Fengping Zhan and Yuji Shi
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Huiqian Sun: School of Automotive and Traffic Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Peng Jing: School of Automotive and Traffic Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Mengxuan Zhao: School of Automotive and Traffic Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Yuexia Chen: School of Automotive and Traffic Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Fengping Zhan: School of Automotive and Traffic Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Yuji Shi: School of Automotive and Traffic Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 24, 1-22

Abstract: Due to the elderly’s limited physical ability, their mode choice behavior with particular demand for the traffic system is significantly distinguished compared to young people. The emergence of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) and Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs) will allow the elderly to travel independently and offer more mode choices. However, emerging vehicles will continue to coexist with other traditional modes such as public transport. This paper aims to explore the internal mechanism of the elderly’s choice behavior among public transport, AVs, and SAVs. We integrated the relevant factors by expanding the ecological model and used the Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model to analyze the constructs’ relationship. The results show that the elderly believe that public transport, AVs, and SAVs are useful and convenient travel modes for themselves, affecting intention significantly. In addition, the elderly’s well-being and social influence during travel are also significant constructs for their behavioral intention. The research could provide academic supports for the traffic management departments when making relevant policies and measures for the elderly.

Keywords: elderly; travel mode; choice behavior; extended ecological model; autonomous vehicles (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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