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September 2023 - Transport & Infrastructure

In a first-of-its-kind survey, 72% of respondents believe self-driving vehicles could be used to improve transport links in the UK: The government-led study found that 72% of people think that self-driving vehicles (SDVs) could be used to bridge the gaps in the UK’s transport network, especially in rural areas. Ideas like shuttle services between rural villages and railway stations were some of the suggestions proposed, as well as better evening, night and weekend services.

The survey led by the Department for Transport involved trialing SDVs in three different locations: a rural area, a town and a city. A low, medium and high information exposure group was used in the study, with researchers comparing results from before and after the information exposure. Additionally, both the high and medium groups were given trial rides in the vehicles - to help gauge the public’s reaction to the technology.

Findings highlighted that 63% of the medium-exposure group believed SDVs could improve public transport before riding on one of the vehicles, however, after a ride on one, this figure rose to 72%. However, just 12% of the high-exposure group and 10% of the medium group believed they would make no difference to their local transport system, with the figures only decreasing by 2% (high) and 1% (medium) after a ride in an SDV.

Doubts

There were also significant doubts revealed by the survey. A third of respondents (32%) said they felt uncomfortable using self-driving public transport, and a similar figure of 36% said they felt uncomfortable sharing the road with one. To add to that, a fifth of people (20%) said they believed that SDVs would make public transport worse.

Other issues like the loss of drivers, loss of social interaction, and the possibility of being stranded if there was a technical problem with the vehicle were also mentioned by respondents.

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