Modeling Preferences for Autonomous Vehicle Access Types and Usage Intentions

Term Start:

June 1, 2026

Term End:

May 31, 2027

Budget:

$75,000

Keywords:

Autonomous Vehicles, Mode Choice, Travel Behavior

Thrust Area(s):

Data Modeling and Analytic Tools, Understanding User Needs

University Lead:

The University of Texas at Austin

Researcher(s):

Chandra Bhat

As autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies continue to advance, it is increasingly important for transportation agencies to understand how individuals will access and use these technologies, as different access models have substantially different implications for travel demand, system performance, and infrastructure investment. This project examines preferences across two primary AV access modes, private ownership and ridehailing-based services, and analyzes how these preferences relate to anticipated AV usage behaviors. The study considers three key usage dimensions: willingness to use AVs for transporting children, anticipated in-vehicle time use, and willingness to relinquish driving control. In addition, the analysis incorporates three individual-level constructs that influence AV-related decisions, including perceptions of AV safety, prior experience with advanced vehicle technologies, and affinity toward shared mobility. Using data from the 2024 California Vehicle Survey, the project develops an integrated behavioral modeling framework that jointly represents AV access preferences and usage intentions. The results will provide actionable insights for improving travel demand forecasting, supporting infrastructure and fleet planning, and informing policy strategies related to AV deployment, system operations, and long-term transportation system performance.

Project scope

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