Users’ perceptions toward autonomous vehicles: case study in Alberta, Canada

This study investigates perceptions and attitudes toward autonomous vehicles (AVs) using an online stated preference (SP) survey conducted in Alberta, Canada. It explores the effect of different sociodemographic, external, and psychological factors on users' attitudes toward AVs. Additionally, factors contributing to people's willingness to pay for AVs were evaluated. The results indicate that sociodemographic factors, external factors, and people's perceptions significantly affect people's willingness to pay for automation. Level 3 of automation is shown to have a positive effect on the drivers' utility of driving for commuting and non-commuting trips, while other levels of automation were found negatively affecting the utility of driving. Men were generally more willing to pay for AVs, particularly for commuting trips, while weather conditions, especially icy roads, posed significant concerns about AV reliability. Middle-aged drivers exhibited the highest willingness to pay (WTP) for higher levels of automation, emphasizing the potential early adoption among this group.