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Consumer welfare and unobserved heterogeneity in discrete choice models: The value of alpine road tunnels

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  • Cerquera Dussán, Daniel
  • Ullrich, Hannes

Abstract

We investigate the sensitivity of consumer surplus estimates to parametric assumptions on individual preference heterogeneity in a discrete choice framework. We compare results from a parametric random coefficients logit model and a recently proposed nonparametric sieve estimator. In particular, we provide an assessment of the direct economic value of crossing the Alps for the European road freight sector. Using revealed preference data from a detailed survey on transalpine road freight traffic, we estimate the yearly cost of closing the Mont-Blanc Tunnel, which was closed for 3 years following a large accident in early 1999. Ultimately, our results permit the economic evaluation of security and transport policy measures affecting transalpine traffic. Our findings suggest that the way we model unobserved heterogeneity significantly affects our welfare results.

Suggested Citation

  • Cerquera Dussán, Daniel & Ullrich, Hannes, 2010. "Consumer welfare and unobserved heterogeneity in discrete choice models: The value of alpine road tunnels," ZEW Discussion Papers 10-095, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:zewdip:10095
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    Cited by:

    1. Fifer, Simon & Rose, John & Greaves, Stephen, 2014. "Hypothetical bias in Stated Choice Experiments: Is it a problem? And if so, how do we deal with it?," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 164-177.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Discrete Choice; Consumer Surplus; Nonparametric Estimation; Transalpine Freight;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • L91 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Transportation: General
    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures

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