Search Strategy for Nested Logit Tree Structure: A Case Study of Rural Feeder Service to Bus Stop

Several approaches have been suggested by researchers for identifying the best feasible tree structure for Nested Logit (NL) model. This paper demonstrates an experience of applying those approaches while identifying the best feasible tree structure for NL model with reference to a case study of feeder service to bus stop in rural India. Heteroscedastic Extreme Value (HEV) model, fully degenerated tree structure NL (DGNL) model and several nested logit models based on natural partition principle were developed and analyzed for identifying the most optimal NL model. The results presented in the paper are case specific but the experiences documented could be useful for selecting the optimal tree structure for NL model in other cases.