Authors: Timothy Lipman, PhD, Ananda Gray-Stewart, and Jeffrey Lidicker
Published: August 2014
Abstract: This study examined the driver acceptance of a group of fuel cell-electric bus drivers with Alameda-Contra Costa Transit in the San Francisco Bay Area. A total of 48 drivers completed a written survey out of a total of 145 total surveys issued (i.e., a 33% response rate). The study focuses on a key attribute for potential success of alternative urban bus technology and that is the “driver acceptance” factor. Technology performance flaws that are undesirable or “annoying” to the bus drivers may also be disruptive to passengers. Furthermore, since drivers use the buses throughout their full duty cycle, they are in a unique position to identify key opportunities to improve the new technology options as they emerge and evolve. Key findings from the study include that, in general, drivers rated the hydrogen fuel cell buses to be at the same or better performance in terms of handling, ride quality, acceleration, and braking. For quiet operation, they rated the new buses as excellent. When asked how they liked the experimental hydrogen fuel cell buses, the average response was just above neutral with the most common response being ‘the same’ as Diesel buses followed by ‘much better’. Those drivers who consider fuel economy when purchasing a vehicle liked the fuel cell buses more. Older drivers preferred the Diesel buses while male drivers preferred the new fuel cell buses. Perceptions of safety were mixed, with some drivers expressing safety concerns irrespective of how much training they had received.