Negotiating Autonomy: A Structured Literature Review of Equity and Governance Dimensions Within Autonomous Vehicle Acceptance Research

Autonomous vehicle technology has rapidly advanced in recent years. Such technology is increasingly viewed not merely as a technical innovation but also as a social and behavioural transformation shaped by how these systems are interpreted, trusted, and integrated into everyday life. There are mounting expectations regarding its potential to improve traffic safety, enhance energy efficiency, reduce congestion, and support sustainable mobility; however, key questions remain about how different groups and communities experience autonomous mobility. This review synthesizes equity, governance, and sustainability dimensions as they appear within the existing corpus of AV user acceptance research. A structured review of research on autonomous vehicles (AVs) and user acceptance was conducted using an initial database search followed by iterative literature refinement and structured thematic coding. Using this approach, the review identifies key thematic patterns, highlights structural research gaps, and explores regional differences, offering a framework that supports subsequent comparative analysis. AVs have the potential to shape accessibility, social relations, and sustainable lifestyles. By integrating technological advancement with local governance, community practices, and social equity considerations, automated public transit may serve as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive urban transformation.