A study of the society’s attitude to the introduction of unmanned passenger transportation

Abstract

Abstract. Aim. Obtaining initial data regarding the attitude of the Saint Petersburg residents to the emergence of unmanned vehicles in public transportation, identifying possible barriers and advantages, people’s readiness to start using innovative vehicles. Methods. The research uses the methods of statistical analysis, polling, mathematical analysis. The paper presents the method of the research and makes hypotheses that it is to confirm or refute. Results. The paper highlights the correlation between the attitude of the surveyed to unmanned passenger transportation and how often they use public transportation. The authors identify the advantages and disadvantages of deployment of urban unmanned transportation based on the poll results. Conclusion. The paper highlights the city residents’ attitude to the introduction of unmanned transportation. The results of a survey of Saint Petersburg residents aimed at revealing their fears and readiness to use unmanned urban public transportation. Those surveyed prefer not to be the first who try the innovative transport, and intend to wait for the practical experience and other people’s opinion. Most importantly, people are worried about faults in the system and in its communication both with passengers and other road users. Legal issues and software vulnerability to potential cyberattacks are mentioned as well. In terms of advantages the surveyed noted that the presence of unmanned vehicles will improve the observance of traffic regulations, reduce congestion and the risk of traffic accidents.