Seamless experience takes highest priority, survey found
By PDADCO payday loans
Wednesday, 30 Nov -0001 12:00
Over 7,000 rail passengers across six European countries – France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom – were polled in the survey which explores traveller expectations and preferences for rail travel as long-distance, international high-speed rail travel becomes more popular.
The opportunity for rail is clear as 77 per cent of those surveyed would choose to catch an international high speed train instead of taking another means of transport, if the cost is competitive.
The seamless journey: the holy grail
Almost 60 per cent of those surveyed indicated that they would like to be able to reserve “connecting rail travel and other modes of transport” (i.e. one ticket for every transport mode taken on one journey) in advance of their journey. Of the countries surveyed, Sweden (71%), Germany (64%) and Spain (63%) rated this option higher than any of the other services listed.
Those surveyed also indicated they would like to pre-book “on-board entertainment or Wi-Fi” (46%), “fast track check-in and security” (38%) and “hotel bookings, transfers and travel insurance” (37%). Notably, the percentage of UK adults (17%) wanting “access to VIP and business lounges” was higher than in other countries.
Knowing your customer
More than half (52%) of survey respondents indicated they expect rail providers to know their “preferred seat position and location”. Furthermore, knowledge of passengers’ “total travel itinerary” (46%) (i.e. connecting flights, hotel accommodation and car rental) and technology preferences (39%) were also identified as key pieces of information of which rail providers should be aware of. However, respondents in Spain (32%), France (26%) and Italy (25%) would like rail providers to be aware of their favourite destinations.
The future of rail
Survey participants were asked what they expected to find at an international railway station by 2014. Over 70 per cent of those surveyed expect to find comfortable seating and relaxation areas. The second most popular service, mobile payments, was selected by two fifths of respondents (40%).
Other services which people hoped to see in the future included a concierge service which was particularly popular amongst Italians (41%). Nearly a third of Spanish adults (31%) said they would expect a “gaming and entertainment suite”, in comparison to only one in fourteen German adults (7%).
Why switch?
In addition to competitive pricing, respondents said they would choose a long distance, high speed, international train journey rather than flying or driving if it was a “more enjoyable and comfortable experience” (52%), had a “lower risk of disruption and cancellations” (51%) and if there was “seamless connections to other services (e.g. car rental, flights) to take you to your final destination” (46%).
The opportunity for rail is clear as 77 per cent of those surveyed would choose to catch an international high speed train instead of taking another means of transport, if the cost is competitive.
The seamless journey: the holy grail
Almost 60 per cent of those surveyed indicated that they would like to be able to reserve “connecting rail travel and other modes of transport” (i.e. one ticket for every transport mode taken on one journey) in advance of their journey. Of the countries surveyed, Sweden (71%), Germany (64%) and Spain (63%) rated this option higher than any of the other services listed.
Those surveyed also indicated they would like to pre-book “on-board entertainment or Wi-Fi” (46%), “fast track check-in and security” (38%) and “hotel bookings, transfers and travel insurance” (37%). Notably, the percentage of UK adults (17%) wanting “access to VIP and business lounges” was higher than in other countries.
Knowing your customer
More than half (52%) of survey respondents indicated they expect rail providers to know their “preferred seat position and location”. Furthermore, knowledge of passengers’ “total travel itinerary” (46%) (i.e. connecting flights, hotel accommodation and car rental) and technology preferences (39%) were also identified as key pieces of information of which rail providers should be aware of. However, respondents in Spain (32%), France (26%) and Italy (25%) would like rail providers to be aware of their favourite destinations.
The future of rail
Survey participants were asked what they expected to find at an international railway station by 2014. Over 70 per cent of those surveyed expect to find comfortable seating and relaxation areas. The second most popular service, mobile payments, was selected by two fifths of respondents (40%).
Other services which people hoped to see in the future included a concierge service which was particularly popular amongst Italians (41%). Nearly a third of Spanish adults (31%) said they would expect a “gaming and entertainment suite”, in comparison to only one in fourteen German adults (7%).
Why switch?
In addition to competitive pricing, respondents said they would choose a long distance, high speed, international train journey rather than flying or driving if it was a “more enjoyable and comfortable experience” (52%), had a “lower risk of disruption and cancellations” (51%) and if there was “seamless connections to other services (e.g. car rental, flights) to take you to your final destination” (46%).
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