Within SHOW activity 13.6 (WP13), an overall impact assessment of the shared autonomous mobility solutions implemented in the SHOW project pilot sites is conducted using both quantitative measurements from the sites and stakeholder evaluation. To this aim, the stakeholder evaluation is performed in various interactive workshops using the multi-actor, multi-criteria approach (MAMCA) across the local SHOW pilot sites.
The MAMCA methodology consists of engaging stakeholders to first reflect on impact criteria and assign relative importance weights, then evaluate based on their knowledge and experience the performance of different shared automated mobility scenarios in these criteria. The weights and performance scores are then combined to produce a final aggregated score.
Below, you can read more about the MAMCA workshops held in Germany, Finland and Austria.
German mega site
The workshop was organised in collaboration with partners from the German mega site from DLR, RMS, BSM, and FZI. The workshop was conducted in person on January 18th, 2023, at the House of Logistics and Mobility in Frankfurt, Germany. 25 Representatives in total from the stakeholder groups across the 3 German sites (Karlsruhe, Monheim, and Frankfurt) were present. The participating stakeholders were:
- Safety operators
- Local authorities/regulators
- Public Transport Operators
- Mobility service provider
- Public Interest Groups and Associations
Through the MAMCA workshop, the participants weighed criteria that reflected the different impact areas concerned by the autonomous mobility scenarios and evaluated the performance of each scenario in these criteria. Overall, the MAMCA workshop highlighted the positive perception that stakeholders have of autonomous solutions for passenger mobility, with varying preferences depending on the stakeholders’ objectives. Traditionally shared modes like mass transit and shuttles (driverless shuttles for first/last mile, and door-to-door delivery of persons and goods) were generally more positively evaluated, while shared robotaxis, which relies on sequential sharing, were seen as a luxury option that does not provide much progress from the current business-as-usual. Only local authorities considered the shared robotaxis to be a better alternative than the business-as-usual.
Aside from the evaluation of the scenarios, important points were brought in the discussion by the stakeholder groups. In terms of employment, most stakeholders found it difficult to estimate the effect considering the complexity of job gains, losses, and transformation.
The stakeholders also point out that there are several elements to consider with regards to the social equity of autonomous mobility services. One of the points brought up is that vulnerable users may not feel at ease if there is no driver or person on-board who could provide assistance if needed. Furthermore, access to ICT tools required to use the services to all potential user segments was considered important in the evaluation of social equity.
Finnish site
The workshop was conducted in person on March 17th, 2023, at the offices of VTT in Tampere, Finland. 24 Representatives in total from the stakeholder groups were present. The final list of participating stakeholders is:
- Vehicle users
- Local authorities/regulators
- Mobility service providers/public transport operators
- Public Interest Groups and Associations
- Research and Development
Across the different stakeholders, road safety and user acceptance were often considered the most important criteria, many even viewing them as requirements for a successful deployment of automation. In contrast, employment was assigned the lowest importance weight by all stakeholder groups.
Overall, the MAMCA workshop highlighted the positive perception that stakeholders have of autonomous solutions for passenger mobility, with varying preferences depending on the stakeholders’ objectives. Most agree that all automation scenarios would be as safe if not safer than the business as usual scenario, but two scenarios emerge as the most preferred by the stakeholders.
Traditionally shared modes like mass transit and shuttles (driverless shuttles for first/last mile, and door-to-door delivery of persons and goods) were generally more positively evaluated. Considering the important role that public transport plays in Tampere, all stakeholders highlighted the important of integrating automation int this system, be it by automating it completely or by filling the gaps in first/last mile transport with automated shuttles. While also using shuttles, the door-to-door scenario was not as widely appreciated as it could lead to more traffic and more energy consumption, but most importantly it could lead a shift from active modes. Shared robotaxis, while praised for the flexibility they offer users, were perceived not only as an alternative with undesirable environmental and traffic impacts, but also as one that is not easily accessible and adapted to the needs of different users (e.g. too small for wheelchair users).
More recently, a MAMCA workshop was held in Austria; you can read more about that here!