A Preferencing Model for Trip Distribution

The trip distribution model formulated in this paper uses the basic concepts and notation of utility theory. Each trip origin is considered to rate the trip destinations available in order of perference, and each trip destination is considered to rate the trip origins. It is shown that in pairing trip origins with trip destinations in the distribution process, a “stability” condition should be satisfied, and that two particular stable trip distributions, termed “origin-optimal” and “destination-optimal,” are of particular interest. Conditions under which “like” trip origins and “like” trip destinations may be grouped together are then discussed. Finally the model is illustrated using trip data for the small city of Launceston, Tasmania.