Generation Z calls for the expansion of public transport and a reduction in ticket prices

The aim of the survey was to gain an in-depth insight into the mobility habits and preferences of this young generation (born between 1995 and 2010) and was aimed at students, apprentices, school pupils and young employees in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The questions revolved around the mobility that young people experience in their everyday working lives, in their leisure time and on vacation, which forms of mobility Generation Z prefers and which factors are decisive when choosing a means of transport. They were also asked what measures they expect to be taken to switch to environmentally friendly means of transport, as well as their demands on the public and politicians to promote sustainable and future-proof mobility. "Almost 1,000 young people took part in our mobility survey in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein," says CEOs FOR FUTURE, emphasizing the important role played by the more than 80 CEOs FOR FUTURE member companies.

Key Findings: Mobility behavior and demands for sustainable mobility of Gen Z 

A total of 963 people from Generation Z took part in the survey. The demographic analysis shows that more men (56%) than women (around 42%) took part. The majority of male participants are apprentices, while the majority of female participants are students. Around 52% of those surveyed are apprentices, around 24% are employed, 20% are students, 3% are school pupils and 0.6% indicated other employment.

"Public transport is clearly preferred in the everyday life of Gen Z, with around 64% stating that they use public transport very often or often in their everyday working life. Reliability and availability are even more important than safety and price. In their leisure time, especially in urban areas, they usually travel short distances on foot or by public transport, while for vacation trips they prefer to travel by car or hire car," explains Christian Baumgartner, Professor of Sustainable Tourism at the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden (Switzerland), who led and curated the survey together with Stefan Güldenberg, EHL Hospitality Business School.

There are major differences in the choice of means of transportation depending on whether young people live in urban areas (562 respondents) or rural areas (401 respondents). In cities, the car is only very important for 8% of Generation Z, compared to 34.9% in rural areas.

Generation Z is also concerned about what happens next. Respondents see the following measures as crucial to promoting sustainable mobility: First and foremost is the expansion of public transport (79.4%) and the reduction of ticket prices (72.2%), followed by the introduction of car-free zones (27.1%), the promotion and subsidization of electric vehicles (17%) and for e-bikes and bicycles (15.9%). The ending of subsidies for fossil fuels was also mentioned by participants.

Wiener Stadtwerke for modern training for Gen Z

The Wiener Stadtwerke Group is clearly committed to strengthening Generation Z and is implementing numerous sustainable measures to this end. With more than 600 apprentices currently undergoing training in 20 professions, the Group is one of the largest domestic providers of apprenticeship training. Wiener Linien alone offers 120 apprenticeships every year. Peter Weinelt, Director General of Wiener Stadtwerke, emphasizes that Generation Z already has a strong environmental awareness, which is also reflected in the mobility study. "To enable Generation Z to deepen their knowledge in this area, we will be integrating a separate training program for climate protection and sustainability into the curriculum starting next year. We are making it easy for young people to travel in an environmentally friendly way: we are paying for the TOP Youth Ticket and, from next year 2025, the Wiener Linien annual ticket for all apprentices aged 24 and over," says Peter Weinelt.

ÖBB for climate-friendly occupational priorities and mobility

The ÖBB Group is one of the largest apprenticeship trainers in Austria. Silvia Angelo, Member of the Executive Board of ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, emphasized ÖBB's commitment as one of the largest climate protection companies in the country, as well as its important role as a large domestic training company with currently around 2,200 apprentices in 26 apprenticeships. In addition to 'green jobs' such as energy technology and refrigeration technology, the topics of climate protection and sustainability run through the entire training program. To promote the environmentally conscious mobility behavior of its employees, ÖBB offers its apprentices free travel on trains throughout Austria. "Climate-friendly mobility is a top priority for us. We are constantly expanding our rail network throughout Austria and for this we will need highly qualified professionals in the coming years, many of whom we train ourselves in our training workshops," says Silvia Angelo.

Coca Cola for e-mobility support for Generation Z

Coca-Cola HBC Austria has been setting sustainable trends for years with innovations in the area of circular economy. However, General Manager Herbert Bauer also emphasizes the company's responsibility to contribute to the sustainable mobility transition: the domestic beverage manufacturer is aiming to significantly reduce its CO2 emissions by 2040 and underlines the importance of green logistics. "25% of our own vehicle fleet is already electric, and we are increasingly relying on climate-friendly rail transport for the transportation of goods. We also promote environmentally friendly commuting through job tickets and bicycles," explains Herbert Bauer. The company employs around 800 people at eight locations. Apprentices are trained directly at the Edelstal production and logistics site in Burgenland. The "Young Professional Program" for talented young people also focuses on sustainability.

"Mobility of the future is a key issue for Generation Z and ultimately for society as a whole. Young people show through their behaviour and their clear expectations that they want to actively help shape a climate-friendly future," emphasizes Karl Kienzl, Chairman of CEOs FOR FUTURE, and adds: "Our member companies take responsibility - be it through training programmes, sustainable vehicle fleets or the promotion of environmentally friendly mobility."