Title: Determining elasticities in discrete choice models

Authors: Ruben Sainz-Gonzalez, Pablo Coto-Millan, Ramon Nunez-Sanchez, Irene Andres-Moro

Addresses: Universidad de Cantabria, Avd/ de los Castros s/n 39005, Santander, Spain; Zaragoza Logistic Center, Spain. ' Universidad de Cantabria, Avd/ de los Castros s/n 39005, Santander, Spain. ' Universidad de Cantabria, Avd/ de los Castros s/n 39005, Santander, Spain. ' Fundacion Centro Tecnologico en Logistica Integral Cantabria, Paseo de Pereda 33 1°.39004, Santander, Spain

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to determine the changes in the probability of choosing a private car for travelling, these changes being caused by variations in the generic variables of travel time and cost. For that purpose, we adjust discrete choice models in relation to private or public transport election, analysing passenger behaviour with regard to the different reasons for travelling and the time of the day of the trip. In addition, we determine the time and cost elasticities of transport demand in discrete choice models. This research shows that the elasticities with respect to the time difference variable are higher than the ones obtained considering cost difference and, for trips with study purposes, the elasticities are higher than those calculated for other travel purposes. Finally, an empirical application for the city of Santander (Spain) is offered.

Keywords: transport demand; discrete choice models; elasticities; private cars; travel mode; travel time; travel costs; private transport; public transport; passenger behaviour; Spain.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPM.2009.026069

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2009 Vol.2 No.4, pp.377 - 387

Published online: 26 May 2009 *

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