A Disaggregate Box-Cox Logit Mode Choice Model of Intercity Passenger Travel in Germany

Abstract

In this chapter, we want to study the choice of transport mode, which is probably one of the most important issues in transport planning: mode choice affects the general efficiency with which one can travel in urban and inter-urban areas, the amount of space devoted to transport functions, and whether a range of choices is available to travellers. Mode choice analysis is the third step of the classical four-step transport planning process, coming after trip generation, which explains the level of trip-making, and trip distribution, which explains the relative frequency of trip lengths. Mode choice analysis requires information from the fourth step of the process: the assignment stage, or representation of itinerary choices within the networks, and the resulting values of prices and service levels by origin-destination pair. However, mode choice analysis tends to be the decisive step in the evaluation of transport scenarios because the ‘diversion’ effects arising from network service modification typically dominate the effects on total trip-making. It is often of critical importance in the analysis of the effects of new major infrastructural which change mode characteristics.