Abstract
Exposure to an automated shuttle positively influenced Veterans’ intention to use and acceptance, while reducing perceived barriers. The findings support the need for interventions to reintegrate mobility-vulnerable Veterans into society.
Primary Author and Speaker: Isabelle Wandenkolk
Additional Authors and Speakers: Nichole Stetten
Contributing Authors: Sherrilene Classen
Autonomous shuttles offer significant health and societal benefits to individuals lacking adequate transportation access. However, limited information exists regarding Veterans’ experiences with autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. This study uses a convergent mixed methods design to obtain Veterans’ perceptions before and after exposure to an automated shuttle (AS) in Gainesville, Florida. Phase 1 involves survey administration to obtain pre- and post-exposure perceptions of AV, while Phase 2 uses focus groups to delve deeper into post-exposure perceptions and experiences with the AS. Through data triangulation, survey and focus group data will be merged to inform policies in Florida and the Department of Veterans Affairs, facilitating the effective implementation of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. Veterans’ perceptions of AVs were assessed using the AV User Perception Survey (AVUPS), comprising 28 visual analogue scale items across four domains: Intention to Use, Perceived Barriers, Perceived Well-being, and Acceptance. The focus group questionnaire explored Veterans’ perceptions about AVs prior to their shuttle ride and how these changed afterwards. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare Veterans’ perceptions, and a directed content analysis was used to analyze the focus groups. The study involved 23 Veterans, with 10 of them participating in focus groups. AVUPS data indicated a significant increase in Intention to Use (p = .002) and Acceptance (p = .004), with a decrease in Perceived Barriers (p = .007). Initial findings from the qualitative phase revealed that Veterans had an overall positive experience with the AS, but also making recommendations for improved acceptance, particularly the shuttle’s slow speed and general safety. This study plays a critical role in facilitating the development of future interventions aimed at reintegrating mobility-challenged Veterans, who either cannot drive or face transportation limitations, back into society.
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