Practical transport planning needs methods which are able to predict the behavioural response of travellers that is induced by physical changes in the transport environment. For that purpose, econometric models of travel choices have been developed, describing the travellers' choice process between those alternatives which they perceive to be available to them. Following developments in social psychology and market research, choice models based upon subjective responses of individuals relating to travel options have recently been introduced in transport analysis. From this general and diverse family of models, two main streams of approaches have emerged, which are usually described as attitude models and stated preference models. Although these approaches have many features in common, they also differ considerably in aspects which are important in the context of transport planning. The objective of this paper is to discuss the distinction between attitude models and stated preference models, and to suggest fields of application in transport planning where either method can be most successfully applied. The paper starts with a short description of both methods. Then the virtues and weaknesses of both methods will be discussed from theoretical and practical viewpoints, followed by recommendations concerning their practical use. The paper concludes by suggesting some further areas for application of the stated preference method.(a) for the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 290118.
Samenvatting