Critical Data Identified in New BTS Report

Contact DOT 27-98 Carolee Bush Media 202-366-6946 Wendell Fletcher Technical 202-366-0818

Friday, February 13, 1998 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today released Transportation Statistics Beyond ISTEA: Critical Gaps and Strategic Responses, which outlines current and emerging information needs for transportation decision-making.

"This report studies the adequacy of current statistics and the need for continuing and expanding current studies," said BTS Deputy Director Robert A. Knisely. "The transportation sector accounts for about 11 percent of Gross Domestic Product, or roughly $800 billion. This involves many public and private decisions, and better data will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of those decisions."

The report provides detailed analyses of specific data needs relative to the flow of passengers, goods and vehicles. In addition, the report will provide analysis of transportation system facilities and services, economic dimensions of transportation and environmental impacts. Techniques for providing more relevant national-level data to state and local decision makers, as well as technological developments that decrease respondent burden in data collection are also discussed.

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) requires BTS to evaluate transportation data needs and recommend improvements in transportation statistical information.

According to this new report, BTS programs like the Commodity Flow Survey and the American Travel Survey will reduce gaps in transportation data reporting that existed prior to the passage of ISTEA in 1991. At the same time, rapid technological, economic and social changes continue to increase the need for more timely and detailed data which will aid in the transportation decision making process.

The BTS report also details three strategies designed to fill key data gaps. They focus on gaining a better understanding of domestic transportation’s role in the global economy, establishing information sharing partnerships and supporting performance measurement initiatives.

To order copies of Transportation Statistics Beyond ISTEA: Critical Gaps and Strategic Responses, call (202) 366-DATA (3282), fax (202) 366-3640, or write to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room 3430, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20590. An electronic version of this report is available on the BTS Internet site at http://www.bts.gov/needs/.