From vision to reality: what shapes the future of autonomous public transport in Białystok

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to analyze the possibility of implementing autonomous vehicles in Bialystok. Design/methodology/approach: The first phase of study focused on a critical analysis of the literature and a case study on the example of Bialystok. Then a diagnostic survey method, supported by the CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) technique, was used to obtain data from users of Bialystok's public transportation. In addition, a statistical analysis of the survey results was undertaken to identify correlations between respondents' answers Findings: The study showed that there is a possibility for the implementation of autonomous buses in Bialystok. However, in order for the implementation to be effective, it is necessary to analyze and modernize the current urban infrastructure, as well as raise public awareness and education about autonomous vehicles. Research limitations/implications: The study is based on a diagnostic survey method, while it would be interesting for future research to use more elaborate statistical methods to deepen the analysis, for example identifying the profiles of potential users of autonomous vehicles. Practical implications: Autonomous buses can impact the positive perception of public transportation and improve the frequency of public transportation use, but requires an analysis of the current state and appropriate regulations. Social implications: Successful implementation of autonomous buses in Bialystok can help improve the residents' quality of life, travel comfort and even change habits by choosing public transportation more often than cars. Originality/value: The study presents an analysis of the current state of public transportation in Bialystok and verifies users' opinions on autonomous vehicles, offering value to researchers and practitioners planning to analyze the conditions for implementing sustainable and intelligent mobility in cities. Keywords: urban transportation, autonomous buses, smart urban mobility, sustainable urban mobility. Category of the paper: Research paper.