Implementation of simulated driving tests and interviews to investigate the impact of gender on rail transit driving tasks

BackgroundThe rail transit sector is experiencing growing gender diversity and increasing system automation. Understanding how gender influences drivers' trust in automation, operational performance, and perceived workload is crucial for ensuring safe and equitable development.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate gender differences in automation trust, task performance, and subjective workload in rail transit driving tasks and to explore the interrelationships among these factors.MethodsSixty novice drivers (30 males and 30 females) participated in a simulated driving experiment and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using independent-sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Spearman's correlation analysis. Interview data were coded using deductive and inductive approaches, and chi-square tests were used to examine gender-based differences in perspectives.ResultsFemales reported lower trust in automation than males. No significant gender differences were found in safety braking performance, but females outperformed males in door control tasks and reported higher physical workload and effort. For both genders, higher trust was associated with lower physical workload. In males, door control performance correlated with effort, whereas in females, multiple performance indicators correlated with frustration. Males also expressed a more favorable attitude toward the driving tasks and the future role of female drivers.ConclusionsGender differences in rail transit driving are more prominent in trust and subjective workload than in operational performance. Both genders require automation training. Men should be encouraged to enhance rule compliance throughout the driving process, while women may benefit from interventions targeting psychological workload.