A competing destinations approach to modeling commuting flows: a theoretical interpretation and an empirical application of the model

We introduce a modified version of the competing destinations model as a fr amework to estimate how discontinuities in the road network affect commutin g flows. An economic interpretation of the model is presented in terms of r andom utility theory and hierarchical destination choice. Based on data fro m western Norway, we estimate a set of parameters which are assigned to dif ferent aspects of spatial structure in a region where the road network is d isconnected owing to numerous topographical barriers. The model is applied to predict how commuting flows in the region are influenced by transportati on innovations where ferry connections are subtituted by tunnels and bridge s.