No driver, no problem? Exploring safety concerns and human-machine interaction in automated trains

Automated mobility is becoming increasingly prevalent in all modes of transport. While many studies have examined the acceptance and perceived safety of automated cars, research on automated trains is less extensive. This study contributes to this area of research by examining the above factors in relation to demographic variables such as age, gender, technology readiness and frequency of train use, using a questionnaire. The survey received 146 responses from a wide age range. Technology readiness emerged as the most significant factor influencing perceived safety in highly automated trains. Of the various design options presented, a manual emergency stop was found to be particularly conducive to the perception of safety and user trust in automated trains.