Aim

The objective of this diploma thesis is to provide a comprehensive analysis of passenger preferences regarding the choice between two major modes of transportation, high-speed railways and air travel. The thesis aims to identify and systematically explain the key factors influencing individual decision-making, focusing not only on rational criteria such as travel time, cost, accessibility, comfort, and environmental considerations, but also on subjective motivations that shape people’s choices.

Methodology

This research will employ a mixed-methods approach that integrates both quantitative and qualitative data in order to obtain a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the examined phenomena. Quantitative data will be gathered primarily through structured online surveys designed to measure and compare respondents’ preferences, attitudes, and behaviours related to high-speed rail and air travel. Complementing this, qualitative insights will be obtained through semi-structured interviews, allowing for a deeper exploration of personal motivations, contextual influences, and experiential factors that may not be fully captured by numerical data. Additionally, relevant academic publications, industry reports, and selected articles will be analysed to situate the findings within existing knowledge and provide a robust theoretical foundation for the study. The combination of these methods will enable triangulation, enhance the validity and reliability of the results, and ultimately facilitate a more precise and holistic interpretation of the research topic.