Applications of FTA National Transit Data Base for the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act Management System Requirements

Abstract

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) requires states in conjunction with metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to develop, establish, and implement several systems to better manage and improve the efficiency of transportation infrastructure. Among other things, the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 allows states not to implement one or more of the ISTEA management systems. Although the management systems are now optional, FHWA and FTA continue to believe that the management and monitoring of the performance and condition of the multimodal transportation system should remain an important element of statewide and metropolitan planning. How FTA's National Transit Data Base (NTD) can provide an important source of information as agencies develop the ISTEA management systems or similar mechanisms for managing and monitoring transit facilities and equipment is analyzed. NTD, which contains information on the financial and nonfinancial operations, system performance, and equipment of national public transit systems, is used primarily by transit operators and others in the transit industry. How NTD can contribute to development and operations of the Public Transportation Management System as well as the Congestion and other management systems is discussed. Development of applications for ISTEA management systems, or for similar planning tools, broadens applications of NTD beyond its transit customer base to aid states and MPOs. By contributing comprehensive transit data to systems for managing and monitoring condition and performance of multimodal transportation, NTD can improve representation of transit needs and performance in the ISTEA planning process.