Abstract:
Data collection in smaller urban areas can be minimized through the use of secondary sources. Quite a bit of work can often be accomplished with minimal data acquisition. To establish a surveillance or monitoring program, one must first establish an inventory of basic information that includes such data as travel counts, routes and schedules of the public transportation system, maps, numbers of employees, and characteristics of the population. The monitoring effort should, in turn, be based on sound procedures and methodologies that are inexpensive and provide quick turn-around information. Census data can often be very useful. Data items to be forecast should be limited to those actually required for systems analysis. In many instances, the issues that emerge in smaller urban areas are not very different from those in larger areas. The difference is that, in smaller areas, there is often more reliance on secondary data sources. If more work is needed in any area, it may be in educating local officials not to be afraid of the kinds of borrowed information that can save them money and be quite valuable for their planning efforts. (Author)
Supplemental Notes:
This paper appeared in TRB Special Report 187, Transportation Planning for Small and Medium-Sized Communities, Proceedings of a Workshop sponsored by UMTA and FHWA, conducted by TRB, Sarasota, Florida, 3-6 December 1978. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
