Investigating Automated Shuttle Readiness for Rural Areas: North Carolina Case Study

Abstract

The past two decades have seen the potential of automated shuttles in addressing transportation needs for vulnerable communities; however, the readiness of rural communities for the deployment of these shuttles remains unexplored. This research evaluates the level of readiness of rural counties in North Carolina for implementing autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, focusing on physical infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and social vulnerability using a range of indicators derived from secondary data sources, including road quality, bridge conditions, broadband availability, and socioeconomic factors. The analysis reveals a diverse landscape of readiness across the counties, with variations in physical and digital infrastructure and social vulnerability indices. Despite being rural and located in coastal regions, Camden County emerged as a leading candidate for AV deployment as a result of the better availability of the internet, good road conditions, and a population in need of autonomous shuttles. This was followed by Halifax, Chatham, and Bladen counties. To further understand regional differences, we used clustering analysis to identify distinct clusters within census tracts that reflect varying readiness levels. While some clusters are well-positioned for early AV deployment, others require targeted interventions to improve infrastructure. Conversely, counties with higher social vulnerabilities indicate a potential need for autonomous shuttle interventions to enhance the livelihood of the population needing these services. The study findings emphasize the importance of a multiweighted analysis for readiness assessments that can guide investments and strategic interventions, and the potential of data-driven approaches that can be generalized to other states for determining readiness.