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How do people choose their commuting mode? An evolutionary approach to travel choices

Author

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  • Chiara Calastri

    (University of Leeds)

  • Simone Borghesi

    (Università di Siena
    European University Institute)

  • Giorgio Fagiolo

    (Istituto di Economia, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna)

Abstract

A considerable amount of studies in the transport literature is aimed at understanding the behavioural processes underlying travel choices, like mode and destination choices. In the present work, we propose the use of evolutionary game theory as a framework to study commuter mode choice. Evolutionary game models work under the assumptions that agents are boundedly rational and imitate others’ behaviour. We examine the possible dynamics that can emerge in a homogeneous urban population where commuters can choose between two modes, private car or public transport. We obtain a different number of equilibria depending on the values of the parameters of the model. We carry out comparative-static exercises and examine possible policy measures that can be implemented in order to modify the agents’ payoff, and consequently the equilibria of the system, leading society towards more sustainable transportation patterns.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiara Calastri & Simone Borghesi & Giorgio Fagiolo, 2019. "How do people choose their commuting mode? An evolutionary approach to travel choices," Economia Politica: Journal of Analytical and Institutional Economics, Springer;Fondazione Edison, vol. 36(3), pages 887-912, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:epolit:v:36:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1007_s40888-018-0099-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s40888-018-0099-1
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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaohui Wu & Ren He & Meiling He, 2021. "Chaos Analysis of Urban Low-Carbon Traffic Based on Game Theory," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-12, February.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Commuter choices; Transportation; Travel behaviour; Evolutionary dynamics; Evolutionary game theory; Bounded rationality; Environmental policy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • R40 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - General
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General

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