Five Years of Automated Shuttles: Surveying Community Experiences and Road Conflicts for Future Development

In the ongoing project Ride the Future in Linköping since 2019, two automated shuttles operate seven days a week on the campus and in a residential area, sharing the road with cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians. Addressing the conflicts arising from unfamiliar technology, speed variations, and unpredictable behavior, this survey study with 67 respondents delves into the experience of the local community and students with the automated shuttles. Results highlight that while a high level of trust in the shuttles is established due to their low speed and cautiousness, this feature also leads respondents to choose other modes of transportation, such as cycling or walking. To mitigate road conflicts, suggestions include implementing separate lanes, providing more operational and project-related information, and implementing auditory signals to the shuttles. These insights can help shape the future of the project that is extended to new areas and other researchers working on similar topics.