Quantum utility and random utility model for path choice modelling: Specification and aggregate calibration from traffic counts

In assignment models a key role is played by the path choice model, which computes the set of decisions made by the user before (and during) the routing on the network according to perceived paths and related costs. The path choice is a component of the assignment models. This paper considers the effects of an interference term in addition to the effect of the traditional covariance term in the choice process. It shows how the quantum path choice models can be developed and applied by integrating an interference term into the probability computation. The interference term can be considered for perception of alternatives, during their generation, where the interference is significant; covariance can be taken into account when choosing alternatives, where the overlap represents a relevant aspect. The path choice model, embedded inside the assignment procedure, is specified, calibrated, and validated using traffic counts in two real systems. The numerical results obtained in the analysed systems, in terms of reproduction of the counted flows, demonstrate that the new term can explain aspects that are not represented by consolidated random utility models. Results confirm the theoretical hypotheses stated in the paper.