Will air taxis extend public transportation? A scenario-based approach on user acceptance in different urban settings

Abstract

Increasing urbanization has led to rising mobility and infrastructural challenges for cities and surrounding areas. Electrical vertical takeoff and landing aircrafts, also known as air taxis, enable the use of a new dimension, the skyscape. Air taxis provide a local, emission-free transport option and an infrastructure-conserving solution for the public transportation sector. While the technical implementation has already proved itself, user awareness is not yet widespread. Additionally, essential feasibility factors for public use, such as price, have received scant attention. Since user acceptance is necessary for successful implementation, and willingness to pay is another important indicator for future infrastructure planning, this study aims to investigate different urban transport scenarios. Within the framework of the study, societal acceptance, individual intention to use, and willingness to pay were investigated. Data collection took place in the greater Dresden area in Germany, with a final sample of 1,074 participants. The resulting data suggest an overall limited intention to use and societal acceptance. The scenario analysis revealed a “limousine-like” dial-a-ride scenario as a potential successful path to follow, in which a transitional path with initial dial-a-ride services and growing scheduled services over time is regarded as the most probable. Consumers’ willingness to pay was highest for the limousine scenario. Based on this research, governmental authorities and industry stakeholders may consider the findings to develop a human-centered approach for future mobility and ensure successful implementation in the mobility networks of the future.