A freight origin-destination synthesis model with mode choice

This paper develops a novel procedure to conduct Freight Origin-Destination Synthesis (FODS) that jointly estimates the trip distribution, mode choice, and empty trips by truck rail provide best match observed freight traffic counts. Four models are integrated: (1) gravity model for (2) binary logit (3) Noortman Van Es’ truck, (4) trips. The estimation process entails an iterative minimization of nonconvex objective function, summation squared errors estimated counts with respect five parameters. Of two methods tested address nonconvexity, interior point method set random starting points (Multi-Start algorithm) outperformed Ordinary Least Squared (OLS) inference technique. potential this methodology is examined using hypothetical example developing nationwide demand Bangladesh. research improves existing FODS techniques use readily available secondary data such as link costs, allowing transportation planners evaluate policy outcomes without needing expensive collection. presents results, validation, limitations, future scope improvements.