The spatial transferability of parameters in a gravity model of commuting flows

This paper studies whether gravity model parameters estimated in one geographic area can give reasonable predictions of commuting flows in another. To do this, three sets of parameters are estimated for geographically proximate yet separate regions in south-west Norway. All possible combinations of data and parameters are considered, giving a total of nine cases. Of particular importance is the distinction between statistical equality of parameters and `practical' equality i.e. are the differences in predictions big enough to matter. A new type test best on the Standardised Root Mean Square Error (SRMSE) and Monte Carlo simulation is proposed and utilised.Gravity model; commuting flows; regional science

The impact of pecuniary costs on commuting flows

In western Norway, fjords cause disconnections in the road network, necessitating the use of ferries. In several cases, ferries have been replaced by roads, often part-financed by tolls. We use data on commuting from a region with a high number of ferries, tunnels and bridges. Using a doubly-constrained gravity-based model specification, we focus on how commuting responds to varying tolls and ferry prices. Focus is placed on the role played by tolls on infrastructure in inhibiting spatial interaction. We show there is considerable latent demand, and suggest that these tolls contradict the aim of greater territorial cohesion.Commuting flows; pecuniary costs

Modeling heterogeneity in trip-distributions with partial information

In this paper we propose a modified gravity model that takes into account that a population generally consists of heterogeneous groups, and we suggest a new statistical test for heterogeneity. We apply our new model to two real world data sets, and it turns out that this new model fits the data surpricingly well. Not only is the effect of heterogeneity strongly significant, the model also provides far better fits than traditional trip-distribution models on these particular data sets

Modeling heterogeneity in trip-distributions with partial information

In this paper we propose a modified gravity model that takes into account that a population generally consists of heterogeneous groups, and we suggest a new statistical test for heterogeneity. We apply our new model to two real world data sets, and it turns out that this new model fits the data surpricingly well. Not only is the effect of heterogeneity strongly significant, the model also provides far better fits than traditional trip-distribution models on these particular data sets

The spatial transferability of parameters in a gravity model of commuting flows

This paper studies whether gravity model parameters estimated in one geographic area can give reasonable predictions of commuting flows in another. To do this, three sets of parameters are estimated for geographically proximate yet separate regions in south-west Norway. All possible combinations of data and parameters are considered, giving a total of nine cases. Of particular importance is the distinction between statistical equality of parameters and `practical' equality i.e. are the differences in predictions big enough to matter. A new type test based on the Standardised Root Mean Square Error (SRMSE) and Monte Carlo simulation is proposed and utilised

Modeling Heterogeneity in Trip-distributions with Partial Information

In this paper we propose a modified gravity model that takes into account that a population generally consists of heterogeneous groups, and we suggest a new statistical test for heterogeneity. We apply our new model to two real world data sets, and it turns out that this new model fits the data surpricingly well. Not only is the effect of heterogeneity strongly significant, the model also provides far better fits than traditional trip-distribution models on these particular data sets.Commuting; heterogeneous preferences; cost efficiency; partial information

The impact of monetary costs on commuting flows

In Western Norway, fjords cause disconnections in the road network, necessitating the use of ferries. In several cases, ferries have been replaced by roads, often part-financed by tolls. We use data on commuting from a region with a high number of ferries, tunnels and bridges. Using a doubly-constrained gravity-based model specification, we focus on how commuting responds to varying tolls and ferry prices. Focus is placed on the role played by tolls on infrastructure in inhibiting spatial interaction. We show there is considerable latent demand, and suggest that these tolls contradict the aim of greater territorial cohesion

An empirically based implementation and evaluation of a network model for commuting flows

In this paper we present empirical results based on a network model for commuting flows. The model is a modified version of a construction introduced in Thorsen et al. (1999). Journeys-to-work are determined by distance deterrence effects, the effects of intervening opportunities, and the location of potential destinations relative to alternatives at subsequent steps in the transportation network. Calibration is based on commuting data from a region in Western Norway. Estimated parameter values are reasonable, and the explanatory power is found to be very satisfying compared to results from a competing destinations approach. We also provide theoretical arguments in favor of a network approach to represent spatial structure characteristics.Journeys-to-work; transportation network; network approach; spatial structure characteristics