Commuting patterns: the flow and jump model and supporting data

Abstract

A simple model, named the flow and jump model (FJM) is used for describing commuter fluxes at different distances. The model is based on a master equation which allows a local net probability flow and non-local jumps. FJM is in principle a one-parameter model, however it is found that by fixing this parameter we get a parameter free model, similar with the radiation model. We find that FJM offers an improved description for commuting data from USA, Italy and Hungary. For a special choice of the model parameter FJM leads to the radiation model.