License to roam: a critical constructivist approach to examining people with ambulatory disabilities and older adults' inclusion in autonomous public transport in Singapore

Abstract

Autonomous public transport (APT) is expected to transform transportation equity worldwide due to its potential capability to support the mobility of people with ambulatory disabilities and older adults. Yet, the current state of APT development and communication sheds doubt on its revolutionary potential. Guided by the critical theory of technology and critical disability research, this thesis unveiled a dissonance between APT and the interests of people with ambulatory disabilities and older adults. A qualitative content analysis of news articles about APT in Singapore and focus group discussions with members of these social groups identified (i) barriers to accessing APT, (ii) few opportunities for citizen participation in APT development, and (iii) a lack of meaningful engagement with these groups in APT communication. The findings indicate an imperative to re-orient APT development and communication around the needs and preferences of the disability and old-age communities that the technology hopes to benefit.