A methodology to incorporate behavioral aspects in trip-distribution models with an application to estimate student flow

In this study we present a method for defining the intervening opportunities incorporated in certain spatial interaction models. The method introduces some behavioral aspects into the models by means of behavioral modeling, using a utility function estimated with stated preference techniques. A practical application of the models for estimating student flows is reported. This application confirmed the adequacy of the method and the results obtained showed that the intervening opportunities model performed better than a standard gravity model in reproducing the real situation being studied.