True, but that's those who are simply afraid of flying. It still doesn't necessarily explain those people who would be uncomfortable flying without a pilot, but perfectly fine with one.

I also hear people telling me that they would not be comfortable with a passenger on a self-driving bus. Anecdotal evidence, I know. And since they haven't actually experienced one, I still think the jury is out on this one; but it still strike me as curious that rational people are not always swayed by statistics.

It depends on people's preconceptions. I live in a country where taxi drivers race like in that Taxi movie, and often remove seat belts from passenger seats for macho reasons, so self-driving taxis would be something that would allow me to ride in a taxi without fear.