Mitre: Americans Optimistic about the Future of Transportation

A recent MITRE-Harris Poll survey reveals some optimism among U.S. consumers about the future of transportation, highlighting diverse perspectives on emerging technologies.

Generational Perspectives on AI and Automation

Rob Jekielek, Managing Director at Harris Poll, points out a generational divide, stating, "Gen Z is the most optimistic about the future of the transportation experience (48% Gen Z vs. 39% of others say it will get better), they are also the most sceptical about the role of AI and automation in transportation (40% vs. 27% of others say it will have a detrimental impact)."

Vision for America's Transportation Future

Kerry Buckley, Vice President at MITRE's Center for Integrated Transportation, emphasizes the crucial decision-making phase ahead: "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."

Survey Highlights

• 40% expect to use driverless vehicles in their lifetime, with 60% anticipating driverless taxis in urban areas.
• Rural residents and Boomers are less optimistic about transportation improvements.
• 60% foresee using hybrid or electric vehicles, yet only 12% currently do.

About the Survey

The survey, conducted from October 10-12, 2023, involved 2,096 adults in the U.S., executed by The Harris Poll on behalf of MITRE.

Conclusion

The survey reflects a nuanced optimism towards the future of transportation in the U.S., calling for strategic and collaborative planning to meet the high expectations of a rapidly evolving sector.