Factors Influencing Passengers to Use Autonomous Bus in China Cities

Abstract

Developing insight into the determinants that impact communities' willingness to accept autonomous buses has become a crucial aspect of smart city advancement. This study investigated the inclination of residents to utilize autonomous buses by employing the expanded Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model, encompassing satisfaction, trust, and perceived risk. The UTAUT model is an influential theoretical framework used to forecast and elucidate the acceptance of new technology by people or organizations. The results show that (1) Effort expectancy, performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions have a considerable beneficial effect on both behavioral intention and satisfaction. (2) A significant positive correlation exists between behavioral intention and satisfaction and trust. (3) Perceived risk also has a detrimental moderating impact. The results offer governments and public transportation operators a valuable blueprint for the development and promotion of autonomous buses in metropolitan regions. Current findings can play as a helpful point of reference for enhancing development of autonomous public transportation in China.