This study investigates the behavioral intention and actual use of ride-hailing services among Generation Z (Gen Z) in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), updated to its 2022 version. Data were collected from Slovak and Czech respondents between May and September 2024 and analyzed using PLS-SEM. The findings reveal notable cross-country similarities and differences. Behavioral intention was significantly influenced by performance expectancy, habit, and social influence in both countries. Effort expectancy was significant only in the Czech sample, while compatibility and personal innovativeness influenced behavioral intention only in Slovakia. Price value, hedonic motivation, and facilitating conditions showed no significant effects. Actual use was driven by behavioral intention in the Czech sample and by habit in both countries. This research fills a critical gap in understanding ride-hailing adoption within Gen Z in Central Europe, a demographic previously underexplored in the UTAUT context. The results provide actionable insights for service providers aiming to better align their offerings with the expectations and behaviors of young users. By addressing regional nuances, this study contributes to the global discourse on technology adoption and transport economics, offering a significant foundation for future research in this field.
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