Exploring Transportation Mode Preferences in a Car-Centric City

Modal shifts from private car-based travel to alternative mobility options involve making changes in mobility practices that users may resist, as they require them to reorganize their everyday life. The integration of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) and Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs) is expected to reshape transportation systems by making them safer, more efficient, and better for the environment. Public acceptance is a critical factor in their adoption, however, especially in areas where the population is dependent on their cars. A dearth of literature evaluates various aspects of SAV adoption, but it lacks a comprehensive evaluation of modal preferences across automation and ownership levels. The goal of this study was, therefore, to fill that knowledge gap by providing insights into transportation modal preferences for residents of a car-centric city in Texas through the development, dissemination, and analysis of the results of a survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and cross tabulation analysis were utilized to analyze the survey’s 295 completed responses, and the results revealed that the majority of the respondents preferred private conventional vehicles, followed by private human-driven ride-hailing services. The survey also aimed to identify the factors that individuals prioritize when selecting a mode of transportation, and the findings showed that they considered convenience, time, and safety the most important. Lastly, the study assessed variations across demographic characteristics and mobility preferences, and the findings highlighted the significance of public receptivity towards SAVs in car-dependent cities. The findings of this study will benefit policymakers by illuminating perceptions towards various modes of transportation.