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 framework to estimate how discontinuities in the road network affect commuting flows. An economic interpretation of the model is presented in terms of random utility theory and hierarchical destination choice. Based on data from western Norway, we estimate a set of parameters which are assigned to different aspects of spatial structure in a region where the road network is disconnected owing to numerous topographical barriers. The model is applied to predict how commuting flows in the region are influenced by transportation innovations where ferry connections are subtituted by tunnels and bridges.