Exploratory analysis of motorcycle holding time heterogeneity using a split-population duration model

Abstract

This study integrated the samples taken in 2000 for motorcycle usage and their corresponding records registered in the Taiwan's Vehicle Registration System to observe the survival process of motorcycle ownership. The specific heterogeneity of censored observations that failed to demonstrate actual ownership status in the registration system was corrected by employing a split-population duration model with a Weibull hazard function. The results indicated that around 11% of all observations would never experience an eventual registration termination and that the hazard rates of terminating motorcycle ownership grew at a slightly increasing rate as the holding time increased. Ways of enhancing the accuracy of the motorcycle registration system and accelerating the elimination mechanisms for old motorcycles should be carefully examined. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.