Encouraging the Sustainable Adoption of Autonomous Vehicles for Public Transport in Belgium: Citizen Acceptance, Business Models, and Policy Aspects

Pol Camps-Aragó, Laura Temmerman, Wim Vanobberghen and Simon Delaere
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Pol Camps-Aragó: imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Laura Temmerman: imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Wim Vanobberghen: imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Simon Delaere: imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-26

Abstract: Several mobility-related issues persist in and around urban areas. Autonomous vehicles promise substantial environmental, safety, and economic benefits but may also cause unintended adverse effects that stem from single-passenger mobility becoming more affordable and accessible. While using them for public transport (i.e., autonomous shuttles) can help avoid such downsides, there are many challenges to their adoption, particularly ones that are related to citizen acceptance and economic aspects. Based on a novel survey of Brussels’ citizens, we provide insights from user opinions on last-mile autonomous shuttle services and analyze the effect of various attitudinal and socio-demographic factors affecting such acceptance. Our respondents exhibit an overall positive acceptance albeit with a limited willingness to pay for it. In addition, based on expert interviews, we provide a discussion on appropriate business models and policy recommendations to help ensure the timely adoption of AVs in Belgium that adapts to mobility needs and policy goals.

Keywords: autonomous vehicles; public acceptance; public transport; business models; policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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