Factors of successful implementation and diffusion of services based on autonomous vehicles: users’ acceptance and operators’ profitability

Abstract The use of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is becoming more and more likely as they offer promising solutions to improve urban mobility. They have the potential to reduce energy consumption and traffic jams. As a result, they could replace a significant part of other modes of transport and provide more dynamic services to users. This paper examines the level of receptiveness of AVs while considering their adoption time, user attitudes, and their intention to share AV-trips. We explore the results of a stated-preferences survey, conducted among 600 people in Palaiseau, a city south of Paris. Collected data is analyzed using a reduced dimensional space that is dedicated to the field of multifactorial analysis (MFA) in order to apply a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and to segment the surveyed population. Five classes were identified on the basis of (i) socio-demographic criteria of the respondents; (ii) their mobility habits; and (iii) how they use AV cars. The classes were entitled: Conservatives (22% of the sample), Sceptics (14%), Late adopters (21%), Early Adopters (25%) and Explorers (18%). The results of an economic analysis indicate the implications for operators and public policies designed to encourage optimal forms of adoption in terms of fare and level of service.