This survey is for the Voice of the Consumer Department of Transportation (VOCDOT) research study in which we aim to collect information and opinions directly from individuals living in the United States or its territories concerning accessible autonomous vehicles (AV) and autonomous transportation systems (ATS) such as self-driving cars, automated ridesharing (e.g., Ubers without drivers), etc. We aim to obtain information from up to 2500 participants in this survey.
You are being asked to participate in this study because you are 18 years of age or older and belong to one of three groups needed as participants.
1. Person with a disability
I. Current use of one or more forms of accessible/non-accessible transportation (e.g., personal, or public) for travel to destinations in the community (currently defined as using transportation mode(s) to travel at least one time per week).
II. Has a disability - Disability will be defined according to the definition provided by the Americans with Disability (ADA) Act as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; a record (or history) of such an impairment; or being regarded as having a disability."
OR
2. Transportation Partner/caregiver
I. You currently travel with a person with a disability (currently defined as travel to/from a location in the community with a person with a disability at least one time per week).
OR
3. Older adult (65+)
I. 65 years of age or older
Research Activities:
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire. We developed a self-report survey to gather input from individuals with disabilities and older adults, their travel partners, and/or caregivers on the requirements and future needs & capabilities for accessible AVs and ATS. The questionnaire will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Following completion of this questionnaire, you may stand a chance to win a $50 gift card. You will be asked to enter a phone number or email where you can be reached in the space provided so we can contact you if you win.
Risks & Benefits:
There are minimal risks involved in this investigation. Potential risks may include some fatigue with answering the survey questions. This is expected to occur rarely. If it does occur, you will have the option of answering the questions at a later date or taking rest breaks. We will collect a minimal amount of identifiable information (first name, last name, & date of birth) to try to ensure that each participant completes the questionnaire only once. Therefore, there is a slight risk of breach of confidentiality, but the research team will do everything possible to prevent this risk. There are no direct benefits to you.
Data Security & Confidentiality:
Survey data will be stored in password-protected files on a secure shared drive on the computer with restricted access. All responses are confidential. Authorized representatives of the University of Pittsburgh Office of Research Protections may review your identifiable research information to ensure the appropriate conduct of this research study. At some point, your identifiers might be removed from the private information. This de-identified information may be used by other researchers for future research studies. If this happens, we will not contact you for additional consent. Per University of Pittsburgh policy, all research records must be maintained for at least 7 years following final reporting or publication of a project.
Rights of Research Participants participate:
Your participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw from this project at any time. Any identifiable research information obtained as part of this study before the date that you withdrew your consent will continue to be used by the investigators for the purposes described above. If you want to withdraw, notify the study team. Your decision to withdraw will not affect your current or future relationship with the University of Pittsburgh.
This study is being conducted by Dr. Rory Cooper at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL), University of Pittsburgh. A study coordinator can be reached at 412-822-3700 if you have any questions. You may contact the Human Subjects Protection Advocate of the IRB Office, University of Pittsburgh (1-866-212-2668) to discuss problems, concerns, and questions; obtain information; offer input, or discuss situations that occurred during your participation.
Do you agree to participate?
* must provide value
Yes No
Please choose the answer which best describes you for survey purposes. If you are a person with dual roles, please choose first the role you most associate yourself with. Feel free to take the survey again, identifying yourself in another role as appropriate.
* must provide value
Person with a disability
Partner/Caregiver of person(s) with a disability
Older Adult (65+)
Person with a disability
Partner/Caregiver of person(s) with a disability
Older Adult (65+)
Please identify your disability and/or whether you are an older adult. Check all that apply
* must provide value
Hearing difficulty, deaf or having serious difficulty hearing (DEAR).
Vision difficulty, blind or having serious difficulty seeing, even when wearing glasses (DEYE).
Cognitive difficulty. Because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem, having difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions (DREM).
Ambulatory difficulty. Having serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs (DPHY).
Self-care difficulty. Having difficulty bathing or dressing (DDRS).
Independent living difficulty. Because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem, having difficulty doing errands alone such as visiting a doctor's office or shopping (DOUT).
Older Adult
Hearing difficulty, deaf or having serious difficulty hearing (DEAR).
Vision difficulty, blind or having serious difficulty seeing, even when wearing glasses (DEYE).
Cognitive difficulty. Because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem, having difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions (DREM).
Ambulatory difficulty. Having serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs (DPHY).
Self-care difficulty. Having difficulty bathing or dressing (DDRS).
Independent living difficulty. Because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem, having difficulty doing errands alone such as visiting a doctor's office or shopping (DOUT).
Older Adult
If you would like to enter your specific diagnosis you may do so here.
What is your approximate length of time living with a disability (in years)?
* must provide value
Less than 1 year
1-5
6-10
11-15
16-20
21-25
25+
Less than 1 year
1-5
6-10
11-15
16-20
21-25
25+
Do you require wheelchair accessible transportation?
* must provide value
Yes
No
What are your current modes of transportation? Check all that apply. (Leisure, School, or Work)
* must provide value
Licensed Driver or Permit holder of a Personally Owned or Leased Vehicle
Passenger of a Personally Owned or Leased Vehicle
Ground Public Transportation (e.g., paratransit, fixed route bus, train, subway, etc.)
Ground Private Transportation (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Taxi)
Air travel (e.g., planes, helicopters)
Water travel (e.g., boat, ferry, water taxi)
Others (Please specify)
Licensed Driver or Permit holder of a Personally Owned or Leased Vehicle
Passenger of a Personally Owned or Leased Vehicle
Ground Public Transportation (e.g., paratransit, fixed route bus, train, subway, etc.)
Ground Private Transportation (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Taxi)
Air travel (e.g., planes, helicopters)
Water travel (e.g., boat, ferry, water taxi)
Others (Please specify)
Please describe your Other mode of transportation.
* must provide value
If Autonomous Vehicles (AV) and Autonomous Transportation Systems (ATS) were available, please indicate the following types of vehicles you would be willing to use (check all that apply).
* must provide value
Other vehicles you would be willing to use, please, list
* must provide value
Please indicate which of the following technologies you would be able to use to arrange a ride in an AV or ATS (check all that apply):
* must provide value
Other arrange a ride technology, please, list
* must provide value
Please indicate which of the following methods you would be willing to use to arrange a ride in an AV or ATS (check all that apply):
* must provide value
Other Method, please list
* must provide value
Please indicate which activities you would use AV or ATS to access (check all that apply)?
* must provide value
Other, activities you would you use AV or ATS to access, please, list:
* must provide value
Please indicate what kinds of services you would use AV and ATS for (check all that apply)?
* must provide value
Personal transportation
Professional transportation (e.g., work or school)
Family transportation (e.g., to transport children, other family member)
Package delivery
Groceries or prepared foods (e.g., Uber Eats, Grubhub, or Doordash)
Other please, list:
Personal transportation
Professional transportation (e.g., work or school)
Family transportation (e.g., to transport children, other family member)
Package delivery
Groceries or prepared foods (e.g., Uber Eats, Grubhub, or Doordash)
Other please, list:
What is the maximum length of time you would find acceptable to book a ride with an AV or ATS? (Select one answer)
* must provide value
A day in advance
Within a few hours (e.g., less than 4)
Within the hour (e.g., less than 1 hour)
On-demand (e.g., less than 30 minutes)
A day in advance
Within a few hours (e.g., less than 4)
Within the hour (e.g., less than 1 hour)
On-demand (e.g., less than 30 minutes)
Other, services you would you use AV or ATS for, please, list:
* must provide value
If AV and ATS were available for fixed routes (fixed schedule) similar to public bus schedules, please indicate the types of options you would use. (check all that apply)
* must provide value
Other(s), route options you would use, please list:
* must provide value
If AV and ATS were available for custom routes (on-demand/not on a fixed schedule, customized pick-up and drop-off points), please indicate the types of options you would use (check all that apply).
* must provide value
Other(s), custom routes you would use, please list:
* must provide value
Please indicate which of the following accessibility features of an AV and/or ATS you would require (select all that apply).
* must provide value
Communication with AV and/or ATS (e.g., audio and/or visual aids, vehicle communicates where it is, ability to request human assistance or help, in-vehicle status indicators in different formats: audio, visual, or text)
A user profile for the type of AV (e.g., needed to get the right type of vehicle and the adjustments or features required for me to ride in it)
Assistance with personal items (e.g., packages, bags, etc.)
Storage capacity (e.g., for assistive devices, equipment, packages, bags, etc.)
Accommodation for transportation partners and/or service dog
Grab bars and hand holds
Ease of entry/exit (e.g., Seat that can be repositioned to ease entry/exit)
Wheelchair accessibility (e.g., physical access getting into/out of the vehicle, moving around within the vehicle, automated wheelchair tie-downs and occupant restraints)
Other(s), please, list.
Communication with AV and/or ATS (e.g., audio and/or visual aids, vehicle communicates where it is, ability to request human assistance or help, in-vehicle status indicators in different formats: audio, visual, or text)
A user profile for the type of AV (e.g., needed to get the right type of vehicle and the adjustments or features required for me to ride in it)
Assistance with personal items (e.g., packages, bags, etc.)
Storage capacity (e.g., for assistive devices, equipment, packages, bags, etc.)
Accommodation for transportation partners and/or service dog
Grab bars and hand holds
Ease of entry/exit (e.g., Seat that can be repositioned to ease entry/exit)
Wheelchair accessibility (e.g., physical access getting into/out of the vehicle, moving around within the vehicle, automated wheelchair tie-downs and occupant restraints)
Other(s), please, list.
Other(s) accessibility features required, please list:
* must provide value
If AV and ATS were available what is the maximum amount you would you be willing to pay for a direct to destination (no passenger stops) local trip (< 10 miles)?
* must provide value
Up to $5
$5 to $10
10 to $15
$15 to $20
More than $20
Up to $5
$5 to $10
10 to $15
$15 to $20
More than $20
How important would it be for a public AV or ATS to be connected to other forms of transportation?
* must provide value
Not at all
A Little
Medium
Important
Extremely Important
Not at all
A Little
Medium
Important
Extremely Important
What other forms of transportation would you like to be able to access using AV and ATS? (check all that apply)
* must provide value
Airlines (e.g., Airport)
Railway - Train Station
Light Rail (e.g., local rail transit)
Subway or Metro
Long-haul bus terminal (e.g., Greyhound)
Local Fixed-Route Bus System
Other(s), please, list.
None
Airlines (e.g., Airport)
Railway - Train Station
Light Rail (e.g., local rail transit)
Subway or Metro
Long-haul bus terminal (e.g., Greyhound)
Local Fixed-Route Bus System
Other(s), please, list.
None
Other(s) forms of transportation, please list.
* must provide value
How far do you think your average one-way trip would be with an AV or ATS? (Check One)
* must provide value
Less than a mile
1 to 3 miles
>3 but <5 miles
>5 but < 10 miles
>10 miles but <20 miles
>20 miles
Less than a mile
1 to 3 miles
>3 but <5 miles
>5 but < 10 miles
>10 miles but <20 miles
>20 miles
How far would you like to be able to travel (maximum trip distance) using AV and ATS? (Check One)
* must provide value
< 5miles
5 to < 10 miles
10 to < 20 miles
20 to < 30 miles
30 to < 50 miles
> 50 miles
< 5miles
5 to < 10 miles
10 to < 20 miles
20 to < 30 miles
30 to < 50 miles
> 50 miles
Which of the following AV services can you see yourself using? (select all that apply)
* must provide value
Own, rent, or lease one of your own
Pay a monthly subscription fee
Buy a multi-trip pass
Buy a fixed set of travel miles
Pay as needed
Paid by a third party (e.g., paid by the government, school, employer)
Covered as a health insurance benefit
Own, rent, or lease one of your own
Pay a monthly subscription fee
Buy a multi-trip pass
Buy a fixed set of travel miles
Pay as needed
Paid by a third party (e.g., paid by the government, school, employer)
Covered as a health insurance benefit
How comfortable would you feel in a AV or ATS if there wasn't a human driver in the vehicle?
* must provide value
Very comfortable
Moderately comfortable
Not at all comfortable
Very comfortable
Moderately comfortable
Not at all comfortable
If you had a personal vehicle which of the following automated or automated driver assist features would you be interested in having in the vehicle? (Check all that apply)
* must provide value
Incapacitated driver detection and response.
Distracted driver detection and response.
Automated route navigation.
Accessible entrance localization (e.g., AV can identify an accessible location to enter/exit the vehicle).
Self-parking (requires no interaction with driver)
Parking assist (works with driver or initiated by driver, e.g., parallel parking)
Lane keep assistance (AV keeps vehicle in the center of the lane).
Adaptive cruise control.
Collision avoidance of stationary objects.
Collision avoidance of moving objects.
Road sign recognition and communication.
Self-driving mode (e.g., driverless acceleration, control and braking).
Other(s), please, list
Incapacitated driver detection and response.
Distracted driver detection and response.
Automated route navigation.
Accessible entrance localization (e.g., AV can identify an accessible location to enter/exit the vehicle).
Self-parking (requires no interaction with driver)
Parking assist (works with driver or initiated by driver, e.g., parallel parking)
Lane keep assistance (AV keeps vehicle in the center of the lane).
Adaptive cruise control.
Collision avoidance of stationary objects.
Collision avoidance of moving objects.
Road sign recognition and communication.
Self-driving mode (e.g., driverless acceleration, control and braking).
Other(s), please, list
Other(s), automated or automated driver assist features, please list:
* must provide value
Where would a personally owned AV be most valuable to you (Check all that apply).
* must provide value
Other(s), where a personally owned AV is most valuable to you, please list:
* must provide value
What is the purchase price range that you would expect a personal AV to cost? (Check One)
* must provide value
< $20,000
$20,000 to < $30,000
$30,000 to < $40,000
$40,000 to < $50,000
$50,000 to < $60,000
$60,000 to < $70,000
$70,000 to < $80,000
$80,000 to < $100,000
>$100,000
< $20,000
$20,000 to < $30,000
$30,000 to < $40,000
$40,000 to < $50,000
$50,000 to < $60,000
$60,000 to < $70,000
$70,000 to < $80,000
$80,000 to < $100,000
>$100,000
If you use a wheelchair or scooter, would it be acceptable to you to require attachment points on your mobility device to help automate the securement system in the vehicle?
* must provide value
Yes
No
What do you expect the typical cost range will be to modify an AV to be a wheelchair accessible vehicle? (Check One)
< $20,000
$20,000 to < $30,000
$30,000 to < $40,000
$40,000 to < $50,000
$50,000 to < $60,000
$60,000 to < $70,000
$70,000 to < $80,000
$80,000 to < $100,000
>$100,000
< $20,000
$20,000 to < $30,000
$30,000 to < $40,000
$40,000 to < $50,000
$50,000 to < $60,000
$60,000 to < $70,000
$70,000 to < $80,000
$80,000 to < $100,000
>$100,000
What is your relationship to the individual(s) with disability you provide care to? (check all that apply)
* must provide value
Other - Type of Relationship. Please explain:
* must provide value
How many years have you been providing care to person(s) with a disability?
* must provide value
What modes of transportation do you currently use when traveling with the person(s) with disability that you provide care to? Check all that apply.
* must provide value
Licensed Driver or Permit holder of a Personally Owned or Leased Vehicle
Passenger of a Personally Owned or Leased Vehicle
Ground Public Transportation (e.g., paratransit, fixed route bus, train, subway, etc.)
Ground Private Transportation (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Taxi)
Air travel (e.g., planes, helicopters)
Water travel (e.g., boat, ferry, water taxi)
Others (Please specify)
Licensed Driver or Permit holder of a Personally Owned or Leased Vehicle
Passenger of a Personally Owned or Leased Vehicle
Ground Public Transportation (e.g., paratransit, fixed route bus, train, subway, etc.)
Ground Private Transportation (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Taxi)
Air travel (e.g., planes, helicopters)
Water travel (e.g., boat, ferry, water taxi)
Others (Please specify)
Other modes of transportation used. Please explain:
* must provide value
What is your ethnicity?
* must provide value
Hispanic or Latino
Not Hispanic or Latino
Prefer not to answer
Hispanic or Latino
Not Hispanic or Latino
Prefer not to answer
What is your race?
* must provide value
Black or African American
Asian
White or Caucasian
American Indian or Alaskan Native
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
Two or more races
Other (Please specify below.)
Prefer not to answer
Black or African American
Asian
White or Caucasian
American Indian or Alaskan Native
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
Two or more races
Other (Please specify below.)
Prefer not to answer
Please specify your race.
* must provide value
To which gender identity do you most identify?
* must provide value
Female
Male
Non-binary/third gender
Prefer to self-describe (Please see below)
Prefer not to answer
Transgender: Male to Female
Transgender: Female to Male
Female
Male
Non-binary/third gender
Prefer to self-describe (Please see below)
Prefer not to answer
Transgender: Male to Female
Transgender: Female to Male
How do you describe your gender?
* must provide value
What is your age?
* must provide value
Under 18
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75+
Under 18
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75+
Marital Status
* must provide value
Single
Engaged/In a Committed Relationship
Married
Divorced/Separated
Widowed
Prefer not to answer
Single
Engaged/In a Committed Relationship
Married
Divorced/Separated
Widowed
Prefer not to answer
What is your housing situation?
* must provide value
Own/Rent a Home or Apartment
Assisted Living
Independent Living Home/Apartment
Group Home
Nursing Home facility
Own/Rent a Home or Apartment
Assisted Living
Independent Living Home/Apartment
Group Home
Nursing Home facility
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
* must provide value
Some high school
High school diploma or equivalent (GED)?
Some college, but no degree
Associate degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Professional Degree -MD, DDS, JD, MS
Doctorate level degree- MD, DO, PhD, DPT, DOT
Other?
Some high school
High school diploma or equivalent (GED)?
Some college, but no degree
Associate degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Professional Degree -MD, DDS, JD, MS
Doctorate level degree- MD, DO, PhD, DPT, DOT
Other?
Please specify
* must provide value
Where do you live? (State/Territory)
* must provide value
AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY AS American Samoa DC Washington GU Guam MP Northern Mariana Islands PR Puerto Rico UM US Minor Outlying Islands US Virgin Island Other
Please enter where you live.
* must provide value
State/Territory
What is your zip code?
* must provide value
What is your current employment status?
* must provide value
Employed full time (40 or more hours per week)
Employed part time (less than 40 hours per week)
Unemployed and currently looking for work
Unemployed and not currently looking for work
Student (full time)
Student (part time)
Retired
Homemaker
Self-employed
Unable to work
Employed full time (40 or more hours per week)
Employed part time (less than 40 hours per week)
Unemployed and currently looking for work
Unemployed and not currently looking for work
Student (full time)
Student (part time)
Retired
Homemaker
Self-employed
Unable to work
Select your best answer
What is your your occupation.
Yes for 100% of my work
Yes for a portion of my work
No
Yes for 100% of my work
Yes for a portion of my work
No
What is your household income?
* must provide value
Under $15,000
$15,000 to $24,999
$25,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $100,000
Over $100,000
I don't know
I prefer not to answer
Under $15,000
$15,000 to $24,999
$25,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $100,000
Over $100,000
I don't know
I prefer not to answer
What is your primary mode of transportation for work?
* must provide value
Licensed Driver or Permit holder of a Personally Owned or Leased Vehicle
Passenger of a Personally Owned or Leased Vehicle
Ground Public Transportation (e.g., paratransit, fixed route bus, train, subway, etc.)
Ground Private Transportation (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Taxi)
Air travel (e.g., planes, helicopters)
Water travel (e.g., boat, ferry, water taxi)
None of the above - I work from home
Others (Please specify)
Licensed Driver or Permit holder of a Personally Owned or Leased Vehicle
Passenger of a Personally Owned or Leased Vehicle
Ground Public Transportation (e.g., paratransit, fixed route bus, train, subway, etc.)
Ground Private Transportation (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Taxi)
Air travel (e.g., planes, helicopters)
Water travel (e.g., boat, ferry, water taxi)
None of the above - I work from home
Others (Please specify)
Other modes of transportation for work? (please describe)
* must provide value
Do you or have you ever served in the US Armed Forces?
* must provide value
Yes
No
You may provide your last name. (not required)
Last Name
You may provide your first name. (not required)
First Name
You may provide your date of birth. (not required)
mm/dd/yyyy
Following completion of this questionnaire, you stand a chance to win a $50 gift card. Please enter an email address or telephone number in the text box if you would like to participate in the drawing. If not leave text box blank.
If you have any brief thoughts or concerns you would like to share concerning this ASPIRE Voice of the Consumer survey please feel free to enter them here.
We invite you to join the HERL Assistive Technology Registry at: https://sbs.ucsur.pitt.edu/herl/
Members of the registry may be contacted about future surveys in this series or other research studies that they may be qualified for.
If you would like to learn more about our laboratories go to: www.herl.pitt.edu
Thank you for your time!