This paper describes the procedure for estimating a household model of mode choice. The tour-based mode choice model incorporates interpersonal interactions within the household explicitly in an agent-based random utility modelling framework. Household interactions include vehicle allocation, ride-share to joint activities and drop-off pick-up. Because of the complex nature of the model decision structure, choice probabilities are simulated from direct generation of random utilities rather than through an analytical probability expression. The computational requirements for the simulation are large. Therefore a grid of computers is used in parallel to perform the necessary calculations and a genetic algorithm is used for parameter estimation. This paper presents a brief description of the model, the full model results and a discussion of the computational techniques used in parameter estimation.
Abstract