Expectations of Emergency Communication Systems in Autonomous Bus Shuttles
Authors: Mayas Cindy , Sheibani Rozita , Hirth Matthias 
Published: November 2024

The advancement of public transportation through the integration of autonomous bus shuttles offers significant potential for improving multi-modal mobility systems. However, the absence of onboard driving personal presents a unique challenge, particularly during an emergency. Consequently, an easy-to-use communication system is essential for autonomous bus shuttles in such situations.This paper supports the designs of such systems by investigating passenger preferences for emergency communication systems in autonomous bus shuttles, and how these preferences are influenced by the type of emergency and passenger demographics. In particular, the paper addresses a gap in understanding which communication modalities passengers prefer in different emergencies, such as fire, medical emergencies, or robbery. To explore these preferences, an online survey was conducted with 114 participants, who were asked to assess their likelihood of using different emergency communication options. These options included audio or video calls to a service center, chatbots, SOS buttons, step-by-step guides, and written reports, all accessible via collective (public tablets) or individual (smartphones) devices.The results of the survey show statistically significant differences in passenger preferences depending on the nature of the emergency scenario. For instance, in scenarios involving fire or medical emergencies, audio calls to the control center emerged as the most preferred communication method. This preference underscores the importance of real-time, direct communication with human operators during such events. Video calls were also favored, particularly on collective devices, suggesting that passengers value the ability to visually communicate with the control center during emergencies.In contrast, the preference for using an SOS button was highest in the event of a robbery, indicating a need for discreet and immediate communication options that do not draw attention to the passenger. This preference highlights the importance of providing silent interaction mechanisms in autonomous bus shuttles to enhance passenger safety during potentially dangerous situations.The survey results also reveal gender differences in communication preferences, with women showing a greater inclination towards using audio and video calls in emergencies. This finding aligns with existing research indicating that women generally have higher safety concerns in public transport, particularly in autonomous vehicles where there is no human driving personal present.Based on these findings, autonomous bus shuttles should be equipped with multiple emergency communication options to cater to different types of emergencies and passenger needs. The inclusion of both interactive (audio/video calls) and passive (SOS buttons) communication systems can help ensure that all passengers feel safe and supported in the event of an emergency.While the study provides valuable insights into passenger preferences, it is based on survey data and hypothetical scenarios, which may limit the applicability of the findings to real-world situations. To address this limitation, the next phase of the research will involve developing prototypes of emergency communication systems and conducting usability tests in a laboratory setting adapted for autonomous bus shuttles. In conclusion, the paper emphasizes the importance of designing user-centered emergency communication systems for autonomous bus shuttles, considering the varied preferences and needs of different passenger demographics and emergency scenarios.