Riding without drivers: A case study of public acceptance of autonomous buses in the Arctic

• Addresses the case of a pilot project of autonomous buses in the Arctic • Theoretical basis is an extension of the Unified Theory of Acceptance (UTAUT2) • Informants prefer a human driver but are intrigued by autonomous navigation • Can be accepted by citizens, and knowledge and experience can reduce scepticism • Safety under winter conditions is of particular importance for the Arctic context The development of autonomous public transport has gained increasing attention, with user acceptance emerging as a critical factor for successful implementation. While existing studies have largely examined determinants such as safety, perceived usefulness, and demographic factors, they remain dominated by technology-oriented and model-driven approaches, often overlooking contextual influences. This gap is explored by focusing on how the Arctic context shapes citizens’ perceptions and acceptance of autonomous public transport. Drawing on the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) and a qualitative case study of autonomous bus trials in Bodø, Northern Norway — the first above the Arctic Circle — our findings reveal that Arctic conditions fundamentally reframe key acceptance constructs to consider. Citizens assess autonomous transport through reliability, local maintenance, and human oversight, while real-world exposure transforms abstract fears into tangible concerns. With these findings, the study contributes to existing literature by contextualizing UTAUT2 and broadens the understanding of socio-technical acceptance in extreme environments. Awareness of these factors can aid policymakers in successfully implementing autonomous buses as part of the transport system with particular attention to the context.