Pricing Perceptions and Digital Access in Public Transport: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Satisfaction Drivers

  • Authors

    • Jane Weber Bratislava University of Economics and Management, Furdekova 3240/16, 851 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
    https://doi.org/10.14419/fxj55j70

    Received date: July 28, 2025

    Accepted date: August 11, 2025

    Published date: August 16, 2025

  • Public Transport, Pricing, Customer Satisfaction, Digital Equity

  • Abstract

    Prices and affordability remain the most important factors for user satisfaction with public transport. However, the interplay between perceived price fairness and access to digital ticket channels has been little studied empirically to date. This study examines how different user groups evaluate price structures based on their ticket purchasing behaviour, socio-demographic background, and digital access, and how these dimensions jointly influence overall satisfaction. Based on the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI), the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Behavioral Pricing Theory, the study applies a sequential mixed-methods design that combines over 10,000 responses from a user survey with 14 expert interviews. Quantitative results show that digital access, combined with perceived fairness and price transparency, significantly increases satisfaction. However, pure digital discounts tend to marginalize older and digitally underserved users, thereby reinforcing perceptions of inequality. The results underscore price perception as a crucial aspect of service quality and call for inclusive, channel-neutral pricing strategies that adhere to the principles of fairness, accessibility, and digital justice in evolving mobility ecosystems.

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  • How to Cite

    Weber, J. (2025). Pricing Perceptions and Digital Access in Public Transport: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Satisfaction Drivers. International Journal of Accounting and Economics Studies, 12(4), 421-426. https://doi.org/10.14419/fxj55j70