Trust on trial: Mixed methods unravel desire, dread, and disruption in China's autonomous taxi surge

Key Points

• User trust in autonomous taxis is deeply influenced by safety perception and emotional responses, particularly fear and anticipation.
• The study employs mixed methods to explore the desires and apprehensions surrounding the deployment of autonomous taxis in urban areas.
• Findings reveal that user experiences with autonomous taxis vary significantly based on prior exposure and cultural context, impacting overall trust.
• The implications highlight the need for addressing safety concerns to enhance public acceptance of autonomous transport technologies.