PKP Intercity recognised real value in the proposal put forward by Dr Doński-Lesiuk and Prof. Barić. Collecting real-world data from the target group and understanding the determinants behind transport mode choice, as well as identifying what can be improved to encourage more people to travel by rail, appears to be crucial. The pilot study was conducted among passengers travelling on the Adriatic Express service to Rijeka and Koper, as well as among those returning home.
The main research question concerned why people decide to undertake an almost 20-hour train journey when they could cover the same distance more quickly by plane or, in the opinion of many, more comfortably by car
– reports the researcher.
Naturally, we also asked respondents to assess the quality of individual aspects of the journey, such as passenger information, cleanliness, the availability of expected services and so forth
– adds Dr Doński-Lesiuk.
We were also interested in selected aspects of what is referred to in the literature as experiential marketing, which is connected with the emotions accompanying rail travel, and this was particularly important for PKP Intercity
– notes the scholar from the Department of Economic and Medical Informatics at the University of Lodz.
What surprised me was that, despite the growing atomisation of society, people are still willing and eager to talk. When travelling, we often hide behind smartphone screens, work on laptops and isolate ourselves from our surroundings with headphones. I managed to speak with as many as 172 people. Only four refused to share their opinions and reflections. I consider this fact valuable because it was surprisingly positive
– underlines Dr Doński-Lesiuk.
The study proceeded exceptionally smoothly. This short journey from concept to implementation was possible to a large extent thanks to the support of UNIC. Less than two months elapsed between outlining the research concept and carrying out the study. Respecting the partner organisation and its corporate culture, we will publish the findings in consultation with PKP Intercity S.A. On the basis of these results, the operator will be able to make more informed decisions regarding the future shape of its Adriatic route offering. There is therefore hope that more people will choose green transport and, at the same time, discover that overnight rail travel across Europe, which is experiencing a gradual renaissance, can simply be enjoyable and affordable
– continues the scientist.
Academic holidays do not have to mean a slowdown. They can also be a period of intensive activity focused on collecting research data that has tangible significance, both for the academic world and for organisations within the wider socio-economic environment
– he concludes.
Framework for International Cooperation
The study is a result of Dr Doński-Lesiuk’s visit to the University of Zagreb, where he completed a short-term research placement at the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences in June 2026. During his stay, he had the opportunity to contribute to activities carried out by this partner university as part of the project "Development of Human-Centred Design Solutions to Prevent Risks of Traffic Incidents and Accidents at Level Crossings”, supported by the European Union financial instrument NextGenerationEU: A Stronger and More Resilient Europe.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Prof. Danijela Barić for her openness to cooperation, enthusiasm and warm welcome in Zagreb, as well as PKP Intercity S.A., represented by employees of the Corporate and Business Audit and Monitoring Office and the Tariff Policy Office, for their willingness to engage in joint activities and for providing access to the ‘research field’. I believe that the results of the pilot study will contribute to a better understanding of the reality we are creating, one that is intended to benefit the widest possible group of stakeholders
– says Dr Doński-Lesiuk.
***
The project We are UNIC! is funded by the European Union under the programme Support for European University Alliances, NAWA project no. FERS.01.05-IP.08-0219/23. The amount of EU funding awarded to the project is PLN 62,705,297.60.
