Unlocking the Power of Technology to Elevate Surface Transportation: A Journey Towards Safety, Reliability, and Equity
In the ever-evolving landscape of surface transportation, technology emerges as a powerful catalyst poised to transform our travel experiences. Its potential to enhance safety, reliability, and equity is unparalleled. Yet, navigating this transformative path requires addressing user attitudes, ranging from AI skepticism to the imperative of sustainability, underscoring the crucial role of thoughtful planning in shaping the future of transportation.
In a recent MITRE-Harris Poll on transportation, a majority of U.S. residents expressed optimism about the future of their transportation experiences over the next decade. The survey indicates that 40% believe it will improve, while only 23% anticipate a decline.
Kerry Buckley, Vice President of MITRE’s Center for Integrated Transportation, emphasizes the pivotal moment in America’s transportation landscape, stating, “America’s transportation future is at an inflection point. The decisions we make in the coming years set the course for decades to come. Though users are optimistic, that also means high expectations. We need integrated planning across federal, state, and local governments; industry; academia; and trade groups to achieve these ambitious goals.”
Among the key findings, safety emerges as the top priority for transportation improvements, with 90% of respondents emphasizing its importance. Lower costs (83%), improved data privacy (79%), increased predictability (78%), and environmental sustainability (77%) also rank high on the list of desired improvements.
However, generational differences in priorities are evident. Boomers (62%) prioritize safety, while GenXers (47%) focus on cost. Millennials (22%) advocate for prioritizing safety in city driving, and Gen Z expresses a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, with 85% considering it important over the next decade.
Regarding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, the survey highlights a lack of consensus among respondents. Less than half of U.S. residents anticipate a positive impact from AI and automation in the next 10 years, with nearly 30% expressing concerns about potential harm.
Key insights also reveal that 40% of respondents anticipate using driverless cars, taxis, ridesharing vehicles, and delivery vehicles in their lifetime, with a notable 60% expecting to utilize driverless taxis in urban areas. Additionally, 60% of respondents foresee using hybrid or electric vehicles in their lifetime, though only 12% currently do.
The survey underscores the need for a strategic and collaborative approach across various stakeholders to meet the evolving expectations and challenges in the transportation landscape.
About the Survey
This survey was conducted online within the United States October 10–12, 2023, among 2,096 adults (ages 18 and over) by The Harris Poll via its Harris On Demand omnibus product on behalf of MITRE.
About The Harris Poll
The Harris Poll is one of the longest-running surveys in the U.S., tracking public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963, and is now part of Harris Insights & Analytics, a global consulting and market research firm that delivers social intelligence for transformational times. We work with clients in three primary areas: building 21st-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. Our mission is to provide insights and guidance to help leaders make the best decisions possible. To learn more, please visit www.theharrispoll.com.
About MITRE
MITRE’s mission-driven teams are dedicated to solving problems for a safer world. Through our public-private partnerships and federally funded R&D centers, we work across government and in partnership with industry to tackle challenges to the safety, stability, and well-being of our nation.