Exploring the concept of passenger well-being in the context of automated driving

Motorised mobility is evolving with the introduction of driving automation. The transition from driver to passenger requires a renewed focus on passengers and their needs while travelling, making passenger well-being a highly interesting concept to investigate. However, as of yet, it is unclear how passenger well-being may be operationalised, and which factors may contribute to passenger well-being in this domain. An exploratory study (n = 40) indicated that passenger well-being can be understood as current subjective well-being and that it can be measured reliably using self-reported measures. Further, multiple regression analyses showed that depending on how well the individual preferences are met by the vehicle interior, passenger well-being is either predicted by perceived safety, aesthetics and symbolism (preferences met) or by physical well-being and distrust (preferences not met).