Exploring the stimuli for customers in Bavaria aged 18-34 years to opt for both high-speed and conventional rail regarding holiday travels

Abstract

This article aims at promoting the use of trains for holiday travels. Data were gathered in July 2024 in Passau. After selecting differentiating factors by employing independent-samples proportions z-tests, ttests of symmetric distribution based on skewness, and asymptotic independent- samples z-tests, probit analyses and binary logistic regressions were utilised. Based on a sample consisting of 179 participants aged 18- 34 years, rather plant-based nutrition, geographically close destinations (with particular reference to the sample, the DACH region), bicycle as one of the transport modes during holiday travels, opting for rail for business trips, and the use of voluntary carbon offsets are enablers without financial implications for the railway operators. Contrary to them, relying on car is mitigating the chance that rail is selected for holiday travels. Regarding the measures with financial implications for the service providers, evaluating favourably both the rolling stock (in terms of comfort, hygiene, privacy, moving with luggage, and emissions impact) and the elements of flexibility associated with rail transport, furthermore, supporting loyalty programmes are likely to result in customer preferences for rail.