Shared low-speed autonomous vehicles for short-distance trips: agent-based modeling with mode choice analysis

ABSTRACT

Previous research has envisioned behavior changes with the availability of shared autonomous vehicle (SAV) services. It is expected that SAVs will compete with conventional human-driven vehicles and lead to a shift in mode share. If designed as single-occupancy, low-speed, and lightweight, SAVs can also be considered a micro-mobility mode targeting short-distance trips in geofencing areas, which has been lacking in discussion in the state-of-the-art literature. To address this gap, this study envisions changes in mode choice with the implementation of a single-occupancy Shared Low-speed Light-weight Autonomous Mobility (SLLAM) system deployed, serving trips at speeds below 25 mph. Agent-based simulations are conducted to evaluate the mode share of the SLLAM system. The findings demonstrate that the SLLAM system has the potential to serve 36.98% of the trip demand in the study area. Increased operating speeds enhance the SLLAM mode share, making it a more attractive option for existing private vehicle trips.

KEYWORDS:

• Low-speed autonomous vehicle
• Agent-based modeling
• Mode choice
• Sensitive analysis
• Mode share
• Shared autonamous vehicle

Acknowledgments

This research has received support from the Alabama Transportation Institute (ATI) and the Transportation Policy Research Center (TPRC) at the University of Alabama. The views presented in this paper are those of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the information.

Author contributions

The authors confirm their contribution to the paper as follows: study conception and design: Jun Liu, Zihe Zhang; data collection: Zihe Zhang, Qifan Nie, Jun Liu; analysis and interpretation of results: Zihe Zhang; draft manuscript preparation: Zihe Zhang, Jun Liu, Steven Jones. All authors reviewed the results and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Declaration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process

During the preparation of this work the author(s) used ChatGPT in order to check and address the grammar issues. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).