Bus drivers’ intention to accept level 4 autonomous buses in ethical dilemmas: An extended technology acceptance model

As autonomous driving technology progresses in the private vehicle sector, research on autonomous buses is gaining global attention. Most studies currently focus on passenger needs and attitudes, with less attention given to the drivers who directly operate these vehicles. This study examines the attitudes and behavioral intentions of current bus drivers under different operational scenarios using Level 4 autonomous buses. By extending the Technology Acceptance Model to include trust and compatibility and integrating it with the Integrative Ethical Decision-Making Framework (IEDMF), the study analyzes drivers’ intentions to use AI systems in moral dilemmas. This theoretical integration provides a comprehensive understanding of how rational and intuitive moral reasoning influence technology acceptance in ethical contexts. Structural equation modeling indicates that perceived usefulness and ease of use are critical factors influencing drivers’ operations of autonomous buses in such contexts. The research also reveals significant differences in decision-making behaviors between urban and intercity bus drivers in moral dilemmas, with urban drivers more likely to rely on AI for ethical judgment and prioritize pedestrian safety in critical situations. These findings highlight the importance of targeted training programs: urban bus drivers should focus on urban safety and ethical considerations of pedestrian areas, whereas intercity drivers should enhance their strategies for managing long-distance driving ethics and highway dilemmas. Furthermore, this study underscores the necessity of investing in robust AI systems capable of making ethical decisions under pressure and advocates for integrating diverse ethical frameworks into these systems to better reflect societal values and norms, providing guidance for the future operation of autonomous buses.