Directory Of Transportation Data Sources 1996

Provides users of transportation statistics with a comprehensive inventory of transportation data sources to effect easier accessibility and availability of information. Listed by agency, each profile contains the name and type of the data source, mode (area of transportation relating to the source), abstract, source of data, attributes, significant features or limitations, corresponding printed source, sponsoring organization, performing organization, availability, and contact for additional information. Indexed alphabetically and by mode.

Compiles definitions of transportation terms used throughout the Department of Transportation and other U.S. government agencies. The terms are organized by their common name, with each term appearing in bold print and followed by its definition and the source citation. Specific documents, publications or databases used to compile the report are identified in a source index. Terms are cross-referenced within the document and within a term index.

How can the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the nation's newest federal statistical agency, contribute to the work of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)? What is the appropriate role for such an agency as a part of a major department? BTS was authorized in 1991 by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) in recognition of the need for more and better data for transportation officials at local, state, and federal levels. While the USDOT has many long-standing data collection programs for particular transportation modes (highways, rail, air, etc.), it has never had a statistical agency with a mandate to improve the quality and relevance of transportation data for important system-wide, cross-modal analyses of the nation's transportation system. This book examines how BTS can provide statistical leadership for USDOT, define and maintain quality standards for transportation data, and improve data documentation. It considers BTS's role in developing national transportation indicators, coordinating data collection throughout USDOT, filling gaps, identifying user needs, and developing analysis programs for transportation data. Anyone concerned with having high-quality, relevant transportation indicators and other data available for policy planning, evaluation, and research will be interested in this book, as will students of effective government.