Potential effects of autonomous vehicles on transport mode choice and sedentary behaviour in an Australian context – a modelling study

Abstract

Background: Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are hailed as having the potential to improve road safety. However, they may also encourage engagement in more sedentary transport. This modeling paper aims to explore how the uptake of AVs may lead to increased sedentary behaviour and to explore potential policy interventions. Methods: An Agent-Based Model was developed using survey responses and domain expertise to simulate humans’ transport mode choices. 250 ‘human’ agents were distributed into an imagined future environment containing AVs. Agents’ decision-making was based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Effects on mode choice and sedentary behaviour associated with transport modal choice were ob..