Panel Analysis in Transportation Planning: An Overview

The advantages, disadvantages, and issues involved in the panel analysis of travel behavior are discussed. Increased statistical efficiency, possibility of improved prediction, and the ability to observe changes and examine behavioral dynamics, are among the advantages panel data offer. Their disadvantages, on the other hand, stem from the added biases and costs of panel survey, and increased complexity involved in the analysis. Following a discussion of response lags, leads, and other dynamic elements of travel behavior, the paper offers a brief review of statistical methods available for the analysis of panel data. Use of panel data and dynamic models for demand forecasting is then described, followed by sample size, interview frequency, and other considerations in panel survey design and administration.