Shared versus pooled automated vehicles: Understanding behavioral intentions towards adopting on-demand automated vehicles

The success of future, on-demand AVs depends on whether and how the public adopts them as regular travel modes. To this end, this study has four objectives: (a) understand the effect of current travel behavior on adopting shared automated vehicles (SAVs) and pooled automated vehicles (PooledAVs), and accordingly, propose a theoretical model for behavioral intention to use on-demand AVs based on a mediation analysis; (b) identify the commonalities and differences between the characteristics of SAVs’ and PooledAVs’ early adopters; (c) investigate Canadian residents’ intentions to adopt on-demand AVs; and (d) differentiate between shared mobility-oriented and AV technology-oriented predictors to determine whether behavioral intentions are driven by enthusiasm for AV technology or linked to shared mobility. This study uses data from an online survey administered in fall 2021 to residents of six major Canadian metropolitan areas. Workers and students aged 18 to 75 were selected for analysis (n = 3622). The study employs a full structural equation model (SEM) and a partial mediation analysis. The SEM uses seven affective motivations: attitude towards a behavior, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, driving enthusiasm, sensation seeking, ample knowledge about AVs, and eco-friendliness. The findings of this paper paint a complex picture with respect to the application of constructs from common technology adoption models to the study of on-demand AVs. Also, results suggest that although the characteristics of early adopters differ slightly among the examined service types, individuals with positive attitudes who are current users of ride-hailing services are likely to use both on-demand service types.