Veterans’ Perceptions of Shared Autonomous Electric Shuttles: A Pre- and Post-Exposure Assessment

Veterans often face transportation barriers, but advances in technology enable real-world testing of shared autonomous electric vehicles as potential energy-efficient solutions. While previous research has assessed civilians’ perceptions of autonomous vehicles (AVs), veterans—due to unique military experiences and health conditions—represent a distinct demographic. This study investigates veterans’ perceptions of autonomous shuttles (ASs) to assess whether these innovations may foster sustainable transportation behaviors. Leveraging data from the Autonomous Vehicle User Perception Survey (AVUPS), this study assessed AS perceptions among 77 veterans across four Florida cities before and after exposure. Results indicated significant increases in intention to use and total acceptance and a decrease in perceived barriers, with no change in well-being. Urban veterans showed improvements across multiple subscales, while rural veterans only showed reduced perceived barriers. Those with initially low total acceptance scores demonstrated greater improvements, particularly in intention to use and perceived barriers. The analysis of survey items showed increased trust, greater willingness to multitask, improved safety perceptions, and reduced concerns about declining driving abilities and hesitations toward AVs, with the latter three items remaining significant after correction. Overall, AS exposure positively influenced veterans’ perceptions, and the results point to the potential of ASs as a sustainable transportation option for veterans.