In this contribution commuting distances are analyzed in the context of search theory. The data used are a subsample of respondents of the 1985 housing demand survey (WBO) which were interviewed again in 1988. It is possible therefore to analyze changes in commuting distances. The data are especially suitable for investigation of the impact of household characteristics on commuting distances. It appears that a change of job leads to a substantial increase in the average commuting distance. When households change dwelling the average commuting distance remains unchanged. Heads of households with a working partner have a relatively long commuting distance. Their partners have relatively short commuting distances.
Abstract