2005 Volume 6 Pages 2031-2045
This paper is to compare the difference of heterogeneous effect caused by multiple sources, including unobserved heterogeneity in alternatives, taste variation, and heterogeneous choice sets. We construct several heterogeneous discrete choice models to conduct with various heterogeneities. A stated preference data of intercity travel choice is used as empirical case. The empirical results show that the mixed logit model conducting with taste variation has better explanatory power in single heterogeneity and heterogeneous competing destinations model integrating multiple heterogeneities has the best explanatory power. If we ignore heterogeneity in constructing discrete choice models, the estimation of value of time will be biased. Sensitivity analysis presents that expensive alternatives, like air mode, should adopt cut-price strategy to increase choice share and inexpensive alternatives, like bus and train mode, should improve the level of service in travel time to increase choice share.
