Commuters’ non-linear response to time distances

Abstract.

Established analyses of labour market commuting are based on random choice models and gravity type models. In these models generalised transport costs are formulated as exponential or log-linear distance dependent functions. This paper presents empirical observations, which imply that time distances influence the commuting behaviour in a non-linear way, such that the time sensitivity is much lower for very short and long distances, whereas intermediate distances display a high time sensitivity. This is explained in a model that is parameterised and estimated. The results are important for understanding and predicting commuter behaviour. It also helps to delineate space, as in classical traditions, into local, intra-regional and extra-regional space.