Persons with disabilities often struggle with accessible transportation, particularly those who use an assistive device (e.g. wheelchair, walker, scooter, cane). Research has shown that autonomous vehicles are a possible alternative mode of transportation, however, information on the criteria for the pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) locations is critical for their success. The goals of this study were to identify the challenges for persons with disabilities with current PUDO zones through in person, real-life scenarios. There are many difficulties with travel such as broken sidewalks and blocked curb cutouts. Participants reported positive views regarding autonomous vehicles, and their ability to alleviate the challenges with current modes of transportation. However, there were specific PUDO zone needs identified, such as flat areas, that were out of both car and foot traffic to allow as much time as the user needed to load into or out of the vehicle comfortably. Our participants also liked to have cover from weather available to keep their mobility devices safe. The uncertainty that they may face in new scenarios (e.g., if grass is muddy and their wheel gets stuck, or they end up needing to cross a busy street) influenced their responses and preferences for accessibility of PUDO zones as well as mechanisms for vehicle loading and unloading. This work identified several challenges with current PUDO zones as well as new information that can be used to inform decisions for the selection and criteria of PUDO zones.
