Modelling shortest path decisions using an activity-based segmentation

Abstract

The aim of this research is to identify the relationship between activity patterns and route choice decisions. The focus is turned to the relationship between the purpose of a trip and whether or not the shortest path is chosen for the relocation. The data for this study were collected in 2006 and 2007 in Flanders, the Dutch speaking and northern part of Belgium. To estimate the relationship between the choice for the shortest path or not and the corresponding activity-travel behaviour a logistic regression model is developed. The results point out that, when analyzing the relationship between the activities of the people and whether or not the shortest path is chosen, there is no significant influence by the activity-based segmentation. However, when the deviation from the shortest path is related to the activities people perform, a significant relationship is found. Furthermore, next to trip-related attributes (trip distance), also socio-demographic variables and geographical differences play an important role.