A Cross-Sectional Study on the Public Perception of Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) in Rural Towns: Insights from South-East Queensland
Rural public transport networks face significant challenges, often characterised by suboptimal service quality. With advancements in technology, various applications have been explored to address these issues. Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) represent a promising solution that has been...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Smart Cities |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/8/3/72 |
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| author | Shenura Jayatilleke Ashish Bhaskar Jonathan M. Bunker |
| author_facet | Shenura Jayatilleke Ashish Bhaskar Jonathan M. Bunker |
| author_sort | Shenura Jayatilleke |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Rural public transport networks face significant challenges, often characterised by suboptimal service quality. With advancements in technology, various applications have been explored to address these issues. Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) represent a promising solution that has been investigated over recent years. Their potential to enhance the overall quality of transport systems and promote sustainable transportation is well-recognised. In our research study, we evaluated the viability of ADRTs for rural networks. Our methodology focused on two primary areas: the suitability of ADRTs (considering vehicle type, service offerings, trip purposes, demographic groups, and land use) and the broader impacts of ADRTs (including passenger performance, social impacts, and environmental impacts). Perceptions of ADRT suitability peaked for university precincts and 24/7 operations. However, they were less favoured by mobility-disadvantaged groups (disabled, seniors, and school children). We also examined demographic heterogeneity and assessed the influence of demographic factors (age, gender, education, occupation, household income level, and disability status) on the implementation of ADRTs in rural settings. The findings delineate the varied perceptions across these socio-demographic strata, underscoring the necessity for demographic-specific trials. Consequently, we advocate for the implementation of ADRT services tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of these demographic cohorts. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6800b30e61594101b6a1d8da8a3ea7df |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2624-6511 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Smart Cities |
| spelling | doaj-art-6800b30e61594101b6a1d8da8a3ea7df2025-08-20T03:27:43ZengMDPI AGSmart Cities2624-65112025-04-01837210.3390/smartcities8030072A Cross-Sectional Study on the Public Perception of Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) in Rural Towns: Insights from South-East QueenslandShenura Jayatilleke0Ashish Bhaskar1Jonathan M. Bunker2School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, AustraliaSchool of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, AustraliaSchool of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, AustraliaRural public transport networks face significant challenges, often characterised by suboptimal service quality. With advancements in technology, various applications have been explored to address these issues. Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) represent a promising solution that has been investigated over recent years. Their potential to enhance the overall quality of transport systems and promote sustainable transportation is well-recognised. In our research study, we evaluated the viability of ADRTs for rural networks. Our methodology focused on two primary areas: the suitability of ADRTs (considering vehicle type, service offerings, trip purposes, demographic groups, and land use) and the broader impacts of ADRTs (including passenger performance, social impacts, and environmental impacts). Perceptions of ADRT suitability peaked for university precincts and 24/7 operations. However, they were less favoured by mobility-disadvantaged groups (disabled, seniors, and school children). We also examined demographic heterogeneity and assessed the influence of demographic factors (age, gender, education, occupation, household income level, and disability status) on the implementation of ADRTs in rural settings. The findings delineate the varied perceptions across these socio-demographic strata, underscoring the necessity for demographic-specific trials. Consequently, we advocate for the implementation of ADRT services tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of these demographic cohorts.https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/8/3/72autonomous mobilityshared autonomous vehiclesfirst mile and last mileregional public transportmobility-on-demand |
| spellingShingle | Shenura Jayatilleke Ashish Bhaskar Jonathan M. Bunker A Cross-Sectional Study on the Public Perception of Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) in Rural Towns: Insights from South-East Queensland Smart Cities autonomous mobility shared autonomous vehicles first mile and last mile regional public transport mobility-on-demand |
| title | A Cross-Sectional Study on the Public Perception of Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) in Rural Towns: Insights from South-East Queensland |
| title_full | A Cross-Sectional Study on the Public Perception of Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) in Rural Towns: Insights from South-East Queensland |
| title_fullStr | A Cross-Sectional Study on the Public Perception of Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) in Rural Towns: Insights from South-East Queensland |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Cross-Sectional Study on the Public Perception of Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) in Rural Towns: Insights from South-East Queensland |
| title_short | A Cross-Sectional Study on the Public Perception of Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) in Rural Towns: Insights from South-East Queensland |
| title_sort | cross sectional study on the public perception of autonomous demand responsive transits adrts in rural towns insights from south east queensland |
| topic | autonomous mobility shared autonomous vehicles first mile and last mile regional public transport mobility-on-demand |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/8/3/72 |
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