Intervening opportunities theory

Intervening opportunities theory explains how people or goods choose travel or transfer points based on available alternatives. When someone travels from one place to another, they might encounter multiple potential stopping points or opportunities along the way, such as stores, jobs, or services. If a desirable opportunity appears closer or more accessible than the original destination, they are more likely to stop there instead. Essentially, the presence of accessible opportunities along a route can influence whether travelers reach their intended destination or modify their plans based on the options encountered en route.