User acceptance of autonomous combined transport systems in Germany: a cross-conceptual view

The concept of autonomous combined transport utilizes autonomous vehicles for simultaneous passenger and goods transportation and is associated with a reduction in road traffic through bundling effects and economies of scale. Yet, its potential benefits particularly hinge on penetration and utilization rates. To date, few studies have explored user acceptance of systems that integrate passenger and freight flows. In this context, a research gap that is particularly evident pertains to the user acceptance of different concepts within autonomous combined transport. Extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2), this paper examines the effects of six psychological constructs on the behavioral intention to use an autonomous combined transport system. Surveying 1040 respondents from Germany, two distinct combined transport concepts—scheduled and on-demand—were examined to identify key acceptance factors and operational peculiarities. Results from structural equation modelling show that the acceptance of autonomous combined transport systems depends on both, the operational concept as well as the purpose of use, with socio-demographic characteristics featuring different indirect effects per concept. Moreover, we find that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, price value, personal attitude, and trust are significant predictors of behavioral intention across both concepts, while the average order frequency of a potential user has a negative indirect impact on behavioral intention. Results show that an extended UTAUT2 model can conceptualize factors influencing autonomous combined transport acceptance, emphasizing the importance of investigating a user’s behavioral intention based on the specific operational concept.