Analysing public acceptance of autonomous buses based on an extended TAM model

Integrating advantages of automated driving and mass transport, autonomous buses have broad development prospects. The research on the public acceptance of autonomous buses will help to provide a basis for formulating policies and measures, and thus have important theoretical and practical significance. In this paper, an initial theoretical model of acceptance of autonomous buses was established. An on-line survey was conducted with a total of 401 valid samples collected. The reliability and validity tests of the data showed that the internal consistency of the questionnaire was high, and the reliability and validity all met the requirements. Based on the results of structural equation modelling, the proposed model was validated and all the hypotheses were confirmed. Attitude would positively affect behavioural intention, and trust and perceived usefulness would positively affect attitudes. Moreover, both perceived ease of use and perceived comfort would have positive effects on perceived usefulness as well as on trust. Perceived risk would be negatively associated with trust. Multi-group analyses were conducted to test the moderating effects of the individual's education and knowledge of autonomous buses, and the two factors showed significant effects. Based on the results, corresponding measures can be taken to increase the acceptance of autonomous buses.