Transportation Indicators
Highlights - December 2002 Introduction

This highlights report is taken from Transportation Indicators, an online monthly report developed by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The online report contains over 300 indicators, taken from many sources, and is updated each month on the BTS website.

A transportation indicator is a measure of change over time in the transportation system in its social, economic, environmental, or other effects. This report highlights indicators showing notable change from the previous report. The table of contents for the full online report is provided in the back of the Highlights.

BTS has grouped the indicators under DOT's five Strategic Goals: Safety, Security, Mobility, Economic Growth, and Human and Natural Environment. These goals capture the most important outcomes influenced by the Department's programs. The Safety goal intends to promote the public health and safety by working toward the elimination of transportation-related deaths and injuries. Security aims to ensure the security of the transportation system for the movement of people and goods, and support the National Security Strategy. Mobility shapes an accessible, affordable, reliable transportation system for all people, goods and regions. The Economic Growth goal supports a transportation system that sustains America's economic growth, and Human and Natural Environment's goal is to protect and enhance communities and the natural environment affected by transportation.

The indicators fall under two broad categories: those that provide context about the economy and society in which transportation functions, and those that convey information about an aspect of transportation. To the extent possible, these latter indicators are transportation-wide in scope; however, some apply to only part of the transportation system.

BTS would like feedback about this summary or the full report. Please contact us with your comments.