A person-category model of trip generation is presented as an alternative to household-based trip-generation models. In this model a homogeneous group of persons is used as an analysis unit. The final description of the person categories is not arbitrary but results from the multistage, multivariate analysis of many potentially significant variables. The variables age, employment status, and automobile availability were found to be the most significant descriptors of a person's mobility. The final version of the model is based on eight person categories. Both theoretical discussion and empirical findings favor the proposed version of the person-category model over household-based models because it is more practical at the forecast stage, requires significantly less data, has better behavioral background, and is more compatible with the entire system of individually oriented travel-demand models. (A)
Abstract