Consider a multinomial logit (MNL) model for Drive Alone (DA), Carpool (CP) and Transit (TR), with an
Question:
Consider a multinomial logit (MNL) model for Drive Alone (DA), Carpool (CP) and Transit (TR), with an estimation of the following representative utility functions.
(a) Calculate the probability of male and female travellers for using each mode of travel.
(b) If the total travellers consist of 150 women and 250 men, how will the men and women be distributed for each mode? Also calculate the total distribution of travellers between the modes.
(c) Suppose that the transit system is to be improved that will reduce the total travel time for transit mode by 5 minutes; how would the trips be distributed after the improvement? Compare the results after transit improvement with the base case (i.e., in part b).
(d) Given the conditions described in part (b), assume that the carpool option consists of four travellers always sharing costs equally and the total travel cost for all the four travellers in carpool case is equal to , how will the travellers be distributed for each mode?
(e) Given the conditions in part (a), we aim to enhance the transit ridership by providing some policy recommendations such as improvement in transit travel time or reduction in transit fair. Which policy shall be adopted amongst the two to effectively enhance the transit ridership? Provide your reasoning and solution for the male travellers (Hint: use the concept of elasticity).
(f) Suppose the travel time for transit mode is reduced by 5 minutes. Determine the change in trips to the base case in part b for male travellers using the concept of elasticity and match the trips for male travellers with part (c).