Professor David Hensher will share his research using mixed logit models to evaluate how post-pandemic hybrid work is reshaping the future of travel behavior and transport networks. Moderated by Asst Prof Prateek Bansal, [AMI] Principal Investigator.
As COVID-19 slowly dissipated, working from home (WFH) continues to be popular, with support from both employees and employers. With growing evidence that we have either reached, or appear to be close to, a level of WFH to some extent that might be described as an equilibrium outcome going forward, we need to update any travel behaviour response models that have been developed during the passage of the pandemic. This talk provides an initial descriptive profile of the evolution of WFH during and soon after COVID followed by the development and application of a commuter model for each day of the week for the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Area as of September 2022 where the alternative responses are to not work, WFH, or commute by one of 10 modes. Given the probability of WFH obtained from a mixed logit model, we construct a mapping equation to establish the sources of statistical variance by origin and destination location that influence the incidence of WFH. The evidence is used as the basis of commenting on what this means for longer term structural changes on network performance, the likely move to a greater focus on living locally, and the need or otherwise for employers to retain office space. A significant return to the office has recently been promoted by some employers, and we comment on this as to what it might mean for the future of a hybrid working location model.
About the Speaker: Professor David A. Hensher AM PhD FASSA is a distinguished transport economist and the Founding Director of the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS) at the University of Sydney. Internationally recognised for pioneering contributions to discrete choice modelling, stated preference methods, economic valuation, travel behaviour analysis, and external page public transport contract design, his work has profoundly influenced transport policy and infrastructure planning. With over 83,000 citations and 755 publications, Professor Hensher ranks among the most cited economists globally. His leadership has elevated ITLS to ERA Level 5 status, “well above world standard.” In 2023, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to transport research. Recipient of numerous awards including the external page 2009 IATBR (International Association of Travel Behaviour Research) Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition for his long-standing and exceptional contribution to IATBR as well as to the wider travel behaviour community. David in 2025 is ranked external page #1 globally for scientists in transport and logistics and #1 in 2025 in Public Transport. He was an early pioneer of MaaS and developer of MaaF. Professor David Hensher’s research has had a profound and direct influence on transport policy in Australia and internationally. His work has shaped how governments approach infrastructure planning, pricing, and service delivery.
· Category:
Public