MULTICRITERIA DECISION MAKING APPROACH TO SUPPORT ADOPTION OF CONNECTED AND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

Abstract

Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) have recently attracted policymakers, manufacturers, and customers' attention. Despite their numerous benefits, CAVs still have to overcome many challenges related to the implementation and market penetration. When not dominated by financial constraints, the CAV adoption heavily depends on how policymakers and the government address the other challenges, including public perception, rules, and regulations. This study aims at formulating recommendations to support decision-makers in choosing the most appropriate and sustainable strategy to implement CAV technology. To do so, key barriers were first identified based on the literature review and discussions with decision-makers. Moreover, long-term adoption of CAV technologies in alternative future scenarios is developed. Multicriteria decision-making analysis was conducted to weigh these barriers and rank different strategies of CAV implementation. The transportation system of the Sultanate of Oman was used as a study case. It was found that the lack of technical skills and policies/regulations are the main barriers to the adoption of CAV technologies. To overcome these barriers, suggested strategies include establishing low-cost and short-term solutions, providing training to transportation professionals, and investing in statewide radio communications/IoT for emergency responses.