Behavioral Models in Transportation Planning

The current transportation planning process falls between two more efficient and logical extremes. Enormous savings could accrue through simplification of current travel forecasting procedures with little loss in accuracy. Alternatively, more research should be undertaken to develop models to evaluate individual travel response to alternative transportation systems. Most behavioral research has focused on modal split considerations; similar models are needed for the analysis of travel behavior in general. These models will be more complex than those used in a modal split context because multiple outcomes will be required, rather than a binary decision. Transportation investment should be considered a policy tool to achieve overall urban goals. Behavioral models are necessary to evaluate whether or not goals will be achieved through the implementation of urban transportation system improvements.