Exploring Heterogeneity in Park-and-Ride Preferences: Latent Class Model

In this paper, latent class models are estimated to explore heterogeneity among car drivers with respect to Park and Ride (P&R) preferences. Models are estimated from data observed in a stated choice experiment that included P&R, car and public transport alternatives. As a latent class model for the total group of respondents did not converge, two separate models were estimated: one for the group of respondents that considers public transport as a choice option and one for the group who does not. Based on the results, a public transport lover, two P&R lover and two car lover segments could be identified. Differences between the segments are extensively discussed and segment profiles are formulated. The preferences of the P&R lover segments, suggest that push policy measures are likely to be more effective in increasing P&R patronage than pull policy measures. Finally, the paper pays brief attention to response patterns that ignore specific alternatives and how this may be avoided.