How can we engage the public in new transport technologies?
To achieve transport justice, the public must have a say on the uses and policies of new technology. Dr Angela Smith used innovative methods of engaging the public in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
Visions for Advanced Air Mobility see the greater use of airspace for everyday transport needs.
This includes the use of drones in last-mile deliveries, air taxis for urban passenger journeys and small electric aircraft for regional travel, as laid out in the UKRI’s Future Flight Vision and Roadmap.
However, few people have heard of air taxis, and in the UK, the focus on using drones for medical deliveries has limited public debate.
Dr Angela Smith, Research Fellow at the Institute for Transport Studies, said: “This is a really important time to involve the public in deliberation around what this might mean to communities. Is it a desirable transport future?”
Public engagement with transport technology
The e-drone and Future Flight in Place research projects – collaborations between academics at the University of Leeds, Bournemouth University, University of Southampton and University College London (UCL) – investigated different aspects of AAM, including public perspectives.
Part of the research explored ways to build interest and familiarity in AAM with the public, while addressing its misconceptions.
Researchers went into public spaces including shopping centres, a country park and a city centre library, involving over 600 participants.
They used virtual reality (VR) to show participants how AAM technologies might look and sound in their own communities.
The researchers improved the approach by providing more information on drones and air taxis using an animation, a recorded presentation and a digital game.
These helped to address misinformation and gaps in knowledge they had found.
In the game, players could explore the risks and energy use associated with drone deliveries in the context of their town or city.
These innovative methods of communicating technology showed the key concepts, opportunities and challenges of AAM.
Widening participation in transport consultations
In their paper 'Supporting inclusive debate on Advanced Air Mobility: An evaluation,’ the researchers reflect on how the format, locations and timings of the engagement activities helped support wider participation.
They found that the animation, presentation, and digital game helped participants consider AAM's more technical aspects.
The responses to a follow-up survey showed how the public wants AAM to contribute to the environmental and social objectives.
The study is published in Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment.
