Equity in Network Design: A Latent Class Choice Model for Prioritising Investment Decisions

摘要: This study examines public preferences for transport network investments to inform equitable improvements in infrastructure decision-making. Utilizing a discrete choice experiment with a validated dataset from 2050 Australian respondents, we employ a Latent Class Choice Model (LCM) to account for preference heterogeneity. Focusing on age, gender, income, education, and household structure as key demographic and socioeconomic variables, and the preferences of individuals, the study identifies two distinct classes of individuals. Class 1, labelled as Environmental, Societal, and Governance (ESG) centric, exhibits a pronounced inclination toward environmentally friendly and safe transport options, as well as a commitment to inclusivity and addressing diverse income group needs. In contrast, Class 2, labelled as Self-centric, prioritizes personal interests, emphasizing affordability, reduced travel time, and a positive preference for individual benefit over fairness in benefit distribution. Key policy implications include prioritizing projects that enhance accessibility for the elderly and disabled, integrating safety features, and exploring alternative funding models that align with public sentiment. Additionally, targeted interventions to alleviate crowdedness and enhance overall transport project appeal are recommended.