Visitor users vs. non-users of public transport: The case of Munich, Germany

• Published in: Journal of destination marketing & management 2014-10, Vol.3 (3), p.152-161
• Main Authors: Le-Klähn, Diem-Trinh, Gerike, Regine, Michael Hall, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Motivation; Non-user; Public transport; Sustainable mobility; User; Visitor
• ISSN: 2212-571X; 2212-5752
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jdmm.2013.12.005

Although its importance for sustainable tourism is recognised little research has been conducted on tourist use of public transport. This paper examines the use of public transport by visitors in the city of Munich, Germany. Its objectives are twofold. First, it investigates the motivations for using or not using public transport. It focuses on distinctive characteristics between the users and non-users and how they are different in their demographic and travel profiles as well as their attitude towards public transport. Second, it seeks to understand which factors influence visitor use of public transport. The main reasons for visitor use of public transport are drive-free benefits, traffic reduction, advantages of local public transport, and car unavailability. In contrast, what often discourages public transport use are inconvenience and restrictions, lack of information, disadvantages of public transport and personal preferences. The five most important variables that differentiate visitor user of public transport from a non-user are length of stay, main purpose of trip, age group, frequency of public transport use at place of residence, and valid driving license ownership. The study highlights the importance of public transport information and accessible and conveniently located train stations and bus stops for visitors and locals alike. A significant finding is the extent to which public transport needs to be promoted as part of strategic destination marketing. The use of social marketing techniques to influence behavioural change with respect to public transport use is therefore desirable in the pre-trip decision stage as well as at the destination. •One of the few studies of tourist use of public transport.•Research undertaken in a major urban destination.•Identified five most important factors determining visitor use of public transport.