Using Count Data Models in Travel Cost Analysis with Aggregate Data

In order to control for censoring and the integer nature of trip demand, the use of count data models in travel cost analysis is attractive. Two such models, the Poisson and negative binomial, are discussed. Robust estimation techniques that loosen potentially stringent distributional assumptions are also reviewed. For illustrative purposes, several count data models are used to estimate a county-level travel cost model using permit data from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.