A Tour-Based Model of Travel Mode Choice

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2005

Subject Area

ridership - mode choice, mode - mass transit, mode - pedestrian

Keywords

Walking, Utility theory, Trip chaining, Travel behavior, Transit, Tour-based models, Ridesharing, Public transit, Mode choice, Modal choice, Mass transit, Local transit, Households, Choice of transportation, Choice models, Automobile use, Automobile usage, Automobile travel

Abstract

In this paper, a new tour-based mode choice model is presented that takes into account within-household, interpersonal interactions. The model is agent-based in that both households and individuals are modeled within an object-oriented, microsimulation framework. The model is household-based in that interpersonal household constraints on vehicle usage are modeled, and the auto passenger mode is modeled as a joint decision between the driver and the passengers to ride-share. Decisions are modeled using a random utility framework. Utility signals are used to communicate preferences among the agents and to make trade-offs among competing demands. The household s allocations of resources are based on maximizing overall household utility, subject to current household resource levels. The model is activity-based in that it is designed for integration within a household-based activity scheduling microsimulator. The model also is both chain-based and trip-based. It is trip-based in that the ultimate output of the model is a chosen, feasible travel mode for each trip in the simulation. These trip modes are, however, determined through a chain-based analysis. A key organizing principle in the model is that if a car is to be used on a tour, it must be used for the entire chain, since the car must be returned home at the end of the tour. No such constraint, however, exists with respect to other modes such as walk and transit. The paper presents the full conceptual model and estimation results for an initial empirical prototype. Future extensions of the model are discussed.

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