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Implications of Autonomous Vehicles for Accessibility and Transport Equity: A Framework Based on Literature

Author

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  • Alberto Dianin

    (Faculty of Architecture and Spatial Planning, Vienna University of Technology, Karlsgasse 11, A-1040 Vienna, Austria
    Eurac Research, Institute for Regional Development, Viale Druso 1, I-39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Elisa Ravazzoli

    (Eurac Research, Institute for Regional Development, Viale Druso 1, I-39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Georg Hauger

    (Faculty of Architecture and Spatial Planning, Vienna University of Technology, Karlsgasse 11, A-1040 Vienna, Austria)

Abstract

Increasing accessibility and balancing its distribution across space and social groups are two fundamental goals to make transport more sustainable and equitable. In the next decades, autonomous vehicles (AVs) could significantly transform the transport system, influencing accessibility and transport equity. In particular, depending on the assumed features of AVs (e.g., private or collective) and the considered spatial, social, and regulative context (e.g., rural or urban areas), impacts may be very different. Nevertheless, research in this field is still limited, and the relationship between AV assumptions and accessibility impacts is still partially unclear. This paper aims to provide a framework of the key and emerging aspects related to the implications of AVs for accessibility and transport equity. To set this framework, we perform an analysis of the scientific literature based on a conceptual model describing the implications of AVs for the distribution of accessibility across space and social groups. We recognize four main expected impacts of AVs on accessibility: (1) accessibility polarization, (2) accessibility sprawl, (3) exacerbation of social accessibility inequities, and (4) alleviation of social accessibility inequities. These impacts are described and analyzed in relation to the main AV assumptions expected to trigger them through different mechanisms. Based on the results, some recommendations for future studies intending to focus on the relation between AVs, accessibility, and transport equity are provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Alberto Dianin & Elisa Ravazzoli & Georg Hauger, 2021. "Implications of Autonomous Vehicles for Accessibility and Transport Equity: A Framework Based on Literature," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4448-:d:537144
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Khan, Shah Khalid & Shiwakoti, Nirajan & Stasinopoulos, Peter & Warren, Matthew, 2023. "Cybersecurity regulatory challenges for connected and automated vehicles – State-of-the-art and future directions," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 58-71.
    2. Gao, Jing & Li, Sen, 2024. "Regulating for-hire autonomous vehicles for an equitable multimodal transportation network," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    3. Jing Gao & Sen Li, 2023. "Regulating For-Hire Autonomous Vehicles for An Equitable Multimodal Transportation Network," Papers 2301.05798, arXiv.org, revised Oct 2023.
    4. Nahmias-Biran, Bat-hen & Oke, Jimi B. & Kumar, Nishant, 2021. "Who benefits from AVs? Equity implications of automated vehicles policies in full-scale prototype cities," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 92-107.

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