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I.0 Introduction Conclusions from the Multimodal Transportation Planning Data' research indicate that changes in transportation planning focus, due to the emphasis on multimodalism and the 1990 CAAA, have created the need for new data characterizing transportation supply, demand, impact, and performance. In addition, it was determined that the Business Model was a logical method for a transportation planner to assess data needs, either at the state or local level. The plar ning needs and requirements that are subsequently recognized may demand specific information needs, models, and data which are not currently available. Furthermore, the Data Program outlined under this research effort and presented in both the Guidance Manual and Fmal Report describes primary and secondary data collection activities necessary to support the planning objectives and strategies of the various planning agencies. The aim of this Compendium is to organize an inventory of transportation data sources that can be utilized to supply the data identified through a strategic data needs assessment. For the purposes of clarity and efficiency of use, the report has been divided into four sections: Data Collection Methods · Secondary Data Sources Intemet Resources · Technical Support Resources The.sub-section on Dam Collection Methods has been divided into two primary sections which detail methods and technologies related to l)sample surveys and 2)travel monitoring. These methodologies should assist state-D OTs and MPOs in gathering both conventional planning data and new data dictated by multimodal planning and the 1990 CAAA and ISTEA Discussions of implementation techniques (e.g., phone, mail, video, etc.), although not addressed directly, are interwoven into many of the descriptions of primmy data collection methods. ~ This stand-aione appendix is part of a larger research effort conducted for the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (RECAP) entitled Multimodal Transportation Planning Data, project 8-32 (5). 1
The Secondly Data Sources identified include those available from Federal agencies, such as the Bureau of the Census and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), state agencies, and private institutions currently involved in data collection and dissemination. This sub-section begins with examples of applications of secondary data that were not originally collected for transportation purposes (e.g., tax data). As the cost and need for data collection increases, as well as the budget constraints at the state and local lever there has become a heightening demand for identifying data that has already been collected by other agencies or private enterprises that can be adapted to transportation planning needs. This appears to be an area of increased interest and need for future research. The listing of traditional secondary sources have been divided between those providing freight data and those providing passenger related data. In order to ensure complete coverage of sources and ease-o£ use of the Guidance Manual those sources that are useful for both passenger and freight have been duplicated to be included in both sections. The breakdown of sources within the Freight and Passenger sections follows the same fomat as the data organization framework (e.g., supply, demand, perfommance, system impacts, etc.) presented in this section. In addition, all sources have been referenced within the framework by an unique source number (found in the top comer of each source) to allow users to move quickly from identifying the type of data needed to where that data can be found. A majority of the secondary sources were identified through the BTS's D~rectorv of Transportation Data Sources. For consistency, the format for describing each source was patterned after the Directory and includes, where possible: · Mode . Abstract Source of Data Attributes Significant Feamres~an~tations Sponsoring Organization Performing Organization Availability Contact for Additional Innovation 2
This section also contains a recent Product Catalog put together by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The Catalog provides a list and a brief description of the products and services available from the BTS, currently or in the near future. The announcement lists both electronic (e.g., CD-ROM;) and printed products. A large majority of products are applicable to the data needs of the transportation planner. The Internet resources provide addresses and descriptions of multiple transportation related sites on the Internet, in addition to e-mail account addresses. A majority of the Internet-related listings were taken and, where possible updated from the BTS'sInternet Starter Kit published in 1995. It should be noted that the rapid expansion of Internet sites and technologies makes it virtually impossible to have a current and comprehensive listing of transportation related Internet sources. However, many of the key sites provided will undoubtedly provide connections to many of these newer sites. The technical support resources describe some organizations that could assist planners in filtering through and understanding large amounts of data and sources, as well as possibly recommend analytical techniques or software which can be used to manipulate transportation data. 3
