Mobility Considerations in Restricting Choice Sets in Modal Choice Models

Abstract

Modal choice models are used to estimate the choices individuals make given the mode alternatives available to them. To better estimate the modal choice of an individual, attempts have been made to eliminate mode alternatives from an individuals choice set that are considered to be unavailable based on their personal and household characteristics. Commonly, the membership of private car related modal choices in these modal choice sets are questioned and usually based on whether the individual has a driver’s licence and whether the household they are a member of own any vehicles.

By further processing data already available from revealed preference surveys, this paper will discuss research that attempts to derive the movements of household vehicles and household members with driver’s licences in space and time to determine the mobility of each individual at any moment. Essentially, this procedure will determine whether an individual with a driver’s licence has a vehicle to use when and where they need it. In addition, the ownership of children and adult bikes within the household will be considered for bike related trips.

The results from the application of this procedure on several modal choice models are discussed. This paper then concludes with a discussion on how this procedure can be further improved to better estimate mode choice alternatives available to an individual and also other potential applications of this procedure.