Demographic profile and usage behavior of public transport users in the Munich Metropolitan Region: findings from a large-scale online survey on current and autonomous transit

ABSTRACT: This paper addresses the lack of empirical knowledge on which demographic groups are most likely to use autonomous buses in the Munich Metropolitan Region. We analyze this question through a large-scale online survey capturing demographics, mobility behavior, and accessibility needs. Results show that younger, multimodal, and well-educated individuals form the core of potential users, while older and car-dependent groups remain hesitant. The findings highlight that successful deployment requires inclusive design, improved accessibility, and targeted communication strategies.