Commuting patterns: a radiation model with distance dependent selection and supporting data

A modified radiation type model is proposed for describing commuter fluxes at different distances. The model is based on the assumption that jobseekers accept closer jobs with higher probability. The radiation model modified in this sense gives a two-parameter fit for experimental data. We find that it offers an improved description for commuting data from USA, Italy and Hungary. Based on the best fit parameters, commuting habits in different countries can be compared and discussed in the framework of their social and economic specificities.

本研究提出一种改进型辐射类模型，用于刻画不同距离下的通勤流量。该模型基于如下假设：求职者选择距离更近工作岗位的概率更高。经此方向改进的辐射模型可通过双参数拟合实验观测数据。研究发现，该模型对美国、意大利与匈牙利的通勤数据均具备更优的拟合描述效果。基于最优拟合参数，可结合各国自身的社会经济特质，对比并探讨不同国家的通勤习惯差异。