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Appendix A: Overview of Transportation Statistics in Canada, Mexico and the
United States
Overview of Transportation Statistics in Canada
Overview of the Canadian Statistical System
The Canadian statistical system is relatively centralized. Statistics Canada
is legislated, pursuant to the Statistics Act, as the central agency
to collect, compile, analyze and publish statistical information relating to
the commercial, industrial, financial, social, economic and general activities
and condition of the Canadian people. However, all federal, provincial and territorial
departments and agencies maintain statistical and administrative information
in support of their roles and activities.
Specific Sources of Canadian Transportation and Transportation Related Data
and Information
In addition to Statistics Canada, other organizations identified as collecting
and/or maintaining transportation-related information include: Transport Canada,
Canadian Coast Guard/Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Transportation Safety
Board of Canada, Pilotage Authorities, and Railway Association of Canada. The
following section discusses the roles and responsibilities of these agencies
and organizations. This list represents many of the Canadian sources used in
this publication, but should not be viewed as exhaustive. A brief description
of each organization's general mission and functions is provided as well as
its specific data activities. However, detailed information on agency data activities
are not described extensively here. Additional information on specific surveys,
methodologies, dissemination and other items can be found at the web sites of
individual organizations described below.
Statistics Canada
Web site: www.statcan.ca
Statistics Canada is Canada's national statistical agency, with programs organized
into three broad subject matter areas: demographic and social; socio-economic;
and economic. Under the Statistics Act, Statistics Canada is required
to collect, compile, analyze, abstract and publish statistical information on
virtually every aspect of Canada's society and economy.
Statistics Canada is divided into about 60 divisions, each of which is responsible
for a particular activity in the collection, processing or dissemination of
statistics. These divisions are grouped together into the following six fields:
(1) Business and Trade Statistics, (2) National Accounts and Analytical
Studies, (3) Social, Institutional and Labor Statistics, (4)
Informatics and Methodology, (5) Management Services and (6) Communications
and Operations. Each of these fields reports to the Chief Statistician of
Canada. Many divisions function as regular producers of a particular set of
data, which is why there often will be a particular subject matter division
identified as the originating source of data from Statistics Canada. Statistics
are collected from different sources and in different ways. Statistics Canada
data are generally produced from surveys but also can be generated as a by-product
of administrative activities.
Business and Trade Statistics Field
The Business and Trade Statistics Field at Statistics Canada produces
a wide range of monthly, quarterly and annual statistics on manufacturing, primary
industries, transportation, communications, computing, construction, agriculture,
merchandising services, external trade, prices, business finance, science and
technology, small business, public finance, regional industrial structure and
related areas. The Industry Statistics Branch and the Prices, International
Trade and Finance Statistics Branch comprise the Business and Trade Statistics
Field. The Industry Statistics Branch covers agriculture; transportation;
distributive trades; manufacturing, construction and energy; and services. The
Prices, International Trade and Finance Statistics Branch covers industrial
organization and finance, international trade, investment and capital stock,
prices, science and technology and small business and special surveys. The Transportation;
International Trade; and Manufacturing, Construction and Energy divisions are
major contributors to Canadian transportation data, and are described in more
detail below.
Transportation Division. The Transportation Division collects, publishes
and makes available statistics on air, rail, road and water transportation industries
and on related traffic and infrastructures. The Transportation Division includes
among its activities, the Aviation Statistics Centre, a Surface and Marine Section
and a Multimodal unit. The Aviation Statistics Centre covers statistics on air
carrier financial and operating statistics; air traffic at Canadian airports;
volume of cargo; origin and destination of scheduled air passengers travelling
within Canada, between Canada and the United States and internationally; international
and domestic air charter statistics; airport activity and traffic flow; fare
type statistics; aircraft utilization.
The Surface and Marine Section and Multimodal unit cover railway financial
and operating statistics, equipment and length of track, fuel consumption and
employment statistics, freight and passenger traffic, freight loaded, receipts
from and deliveries to U.S. rail connection, commodity movement between provinces
and to and from U.S. regions, motor vehicle registrations and related licenses,
gross and net sales of motor fuels. The Surface and Marine Section also includes
trucking and marine units. The Trucking unit covers financial and operating
statistics on motor carriers of freight; domestic, and international commodity
origin-destination statistics of the Canadian domiciled for-hire trucking industry
(domestic and international); private trucking statistics. The Marine unit covers
financial and operating statistics on water carriers, including number and kind
of vessels, employment, fuel consumption, type of service; shipping and port
activities; commodities loaded and unloaded; containerized commodities; ports
of loading and unloading; number, kind, operating status and registry (flag)
of vessels arriving at and leaving Canadian ports; foreign port of origin, or
destination.
Manufacturing, Construction and Energy Division. The Manufacturing,
Construction and Energy Division conducts monthly surveys on manufacturing,
forestry, construction and energy to produce a range of current indicators such
as shipments or sales, inventories and orders. The division also conducts annual
surveys covering manufacturing, forestry, construction, mineral fuels, pipelines
and utility industries to produce a range of cost structure, material input,
commodity output and employment data.
International Trade Division. The International Trade Division is responsible
for the compilation, analysis and dissemination of Canada's merchandise exports
and import statistics, including mode of transportation information, and related
price and volume indexes. Beginning with the year 1996, a weight variable (in
kilograms or metric tons) for each commodity traded internationally became available.
National Accounts and Analytical Studies Field
The National Accounts and Analytical Studies Field at Statistics Canada
is responsible for providing a set of macroeconomic series within the five complex
frameworks of the Canadian System of National Accounts. It provides a broad
band of research and analysis intended to animate society's perception of social
and economic behavior, and undertakes research and development statistical techniques.
Two branches, Analytical Studies and the System of National Accounts,
comprise the National Accounts and Analytical Studies Field. The Analytical
Studies Branch covers business and labor market analysis, current
economic analysis, family and community support systems, microeconomic studies
and analysis and social and economic studies. The System of National Accounts
Branch covers the balance of payments, industry measures and analysis, input-output,
national accounts and environment and public institutions. The Balance of Payments,
Input-Output, National Accounts and Environment and Public Institution divisions
are major contributors to Canadian transportation data, and are described in
more detail below.
Balance of Payments Division. The Balance of Payments Division produces
statistics on transactions and positions between Canada and other countries.
Input-Output Division. The Input-Output Division develops annual input-output
tables and annual labor and multifactor productivity accounts for the business
sector industries in Canada, interprovincial input-output tables with trade
flows on an occasional basis and structural economic models of the Canadian
and Provincial economies.
National Accounts and Environment Division. The National Accounts and
Environment Division is responsible for the conceptual and statistical integration
of Statistics within the System of National Accounts.
Public Institutions Division. The Public Institutions Division produces
statistics on the financial activities and employment of the Canadian public
sector.
Social, Institutional and Labor Statistics Field
The Social, Institutional and Labor Statistics Field
at Statistics Canada conducts a wide range of statistical programs dealing with
virtually all aspects of the social, institutional and labor market characteristics
and activities of Canadians. The field is comprised of the
Census and Demographic Statistical Branch, the Institutional
and Social Statistics Branch and the Labor and Household
Survey Branch. The Census and Demographic Statistical
Branch covers census analysis; census operations;
demography; and housing, family and social statistics. The Institutional
and Social Statistics Branch
covers culture, tourism, health and the Centre for Education Statistics.
The Labor and Household
Survey Branch covers household surveys, labor and
household surveys analysis, labor and special surveys. The Census Operations;
Labor and Household Surveys Analysis; and Culture, Tourism and Centre for Education
Statistics divisions are major contributors to Canadian transportation data,
and are described in more detail below.
Census Operations Division. The Census Operations Division is responsible
for the planning, development and implementation of all production-related operations
of the periodic decennial and quinquennial censuses of population, Canada's
national inventory of key social-economic phenomena.
Labor and Household Surveys Analysis Division. The Labor and Household
Surveys Analysis Division provides resources for the content, analysis and evaluation
of income and labor market related data, including data on labor force status,
occupation, labor compensation, pensions, industry, individual and family income
and expenditure, for both census and sample surveys.
Culture, Tourism and the Centre for Education Statistics Division. The
Culture, Tourism and the Centre for Education Statistics Division is responsible
for Cultural Statistics, the Travel and Tourism Programs and Education Statistics.
The Travel and Tourism Statistics Program manages two surveys: the Canadian
Travel Survey (which measures Canadian domestic travel) and the International
Travel Survey (which provides statistics on Canadian and Foreign international
tourist movements). Statistics Canada is a major user of this information, in
particular for the purpose of providing estimates of receipts and payments for
the Travel Account component of the Balance of Payments. The information also
is used by the National Accounts and Environment Division for the purpose of
maintaining the Tourism Satellite Account, which provides a means of measuring
tourism activities in relation to other economic activities in Canada. Other
federal and provincial departments as well as many private-sector business use
tourism data to monitor market share and develop business strategies.
Informatics and Methodology Field
The Informatics and Methodology Field at Statistics Canada ensures that
the statistical methodology used by all surveys is sound and statistically efficient,
and provides leadership for and management of information processing in Statistics
Canada. The field is comprised of the Classification Systems Branch;
the Informatics Branch and the Methodology Branch. The Classification
Systems Branch covers business register, geography, standards and
tax data. The Informatics Branch covers informatic users services,
the main computer center and systems development. The Methodology Branch
covers business and social survey methods. The Business Register, Geography
and Standards divisions are major contributors to Canadian transportation data,
and are described in more detail below.
Business Register Division. The Business Register Division is responsible
for the development and maintenance of a central register of firms and their
constituent establishments for purposes of statistical collections.
Geography Division. The Geography Division maintains Statistics Canada's
geographic classification infrastructure, develops geographic concepts and products
and services for clients, including the census, and is the centre of expertise
in the application of computerized geographic and cartographic techniques.
Standards Division. The Standards Division develops standard classifications,
monitors their implementation and establishes official concordances between
international and Canadian classifications. It standardizes economic and social
concepts, and provides a system of comprehensive documentation for all surveys
conducted in Statistics Canada. The Division played an important role in the
development of the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) and more recently
with the development of the North American Industrial Classification System
(NAICS).
Management Services Field
The Management Services Field at Statistics Canada organizes and coordinates
internal management services, including the development and implementation of
all management policies and systems within the agency and the assessment of
the efficiency and effectiveness of these programs.
Communications and Operations Field
The Communications and Operations Field at Statistics
Canada provides a full range of external communication functions, including
respondent, user and media relations. It also administers the central and regional
operational functions essential to the conduct of the agency's statistical programs,
including regional data collection and processing activities, marketing, publishing
and electronic data dissemination. The field is comprised of the Marketing
and Information Services Branch and the
Regional Operations Branch. The Marketing and Information
Services Branch is responsible for communications, dissemination and marketing.
The Regional Operations Branch is responsible for
advisory services and survey operations. The Advisory
Services Division provides an information dissemination network across the
country through nine regional Reference Centres. Each Reference Centre has a
collection of current publications and reference documents that provide customized
output and analysis for a fee. The location of the regional reference centres
can be found in all Statistics Canada publications, or at the Statistics Canada
web site: www.statcan.ca/english/reference/Refcentre/refdoc.html
Transport Canada
Web site: www.tc.gc.ca
Transport Canada has traditionally played a key role in delivering a safe and
efficient transportation system. With passage of the new Canada Transportation
Act in 1996, the Department has implemented a number of changes, including
commercializing many of its operational activities, overhauling transportation
policy, streamlining regulations, reducing subsidies and cutting overhead. The
role of the new Transport Canada is focused on the development of relevant transportation
policies and legislation and maintenance of a high level of safety and security.
The department of the future will no longer own, operate or subsidize large
parts of the transportation system. The following sections highlight the areas
in Transport Canada that collect, develop or maintain transportation statistics.
Policy Group
The Policy Group at Transport Canada is responsible for setting policies
relating to trade and to rail, marine, motor carrier and air transportation;
setting departmental strategic policy; assessing the performance of the overall
transportation system and its components; and developing supporting information.
Within the Policy Group, the Economic Analysis Directorate is
responsible for meeting most of the statistical needs of the Policy Group
and of Transport Canada.
The Economic Analysis Directorate meets these needs by identifying available
data sources, such as Statistics Canada and other federal and provincial departments
and agencies, implementing regulations to collect required data not available
through other sources, initiating new surveys and other instruments to collect
required data, purchasing information from recognized experts and identifying
available data from other sources such as international organizations. The Economic
Analysis Directorate also produces short, medium and long-term forecasts
of aircraft traffic, marine and surface commodity flows and vessel movements.
Safety and Security Group
The Safety and Security Group at Transport Canada is responsible for
establishing and administering regulations and standards necessary for the safe
conduct of Canadian civil aviation; monitoring the operation of NavCanada (the
not-for-profit corporation whose primary mission is the safe, efficient and
effective delivery of air navigation services); developing and enforcing marine
regulations; and developing and enforcing the regulatory aspects of rail safety,
the transport of dangerous goods, and motor vehicle and motor carrier safety
and motor vehicle emissions.
Within the Safety and Security Group, the Road Safety Directorate
collects, in cooperation with the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators
(CCMTA), motor vehicle traffic collision statistics from Canada's provincial
and territorial jurisdictions. These statistics are stored in the Directorate's
Canadian Traffic Accident Information Database (TRAID), and are published
on an annual basis in a brochure entitled Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic
Collision Statistics, TP 3322. The Road Safety Directorate also provides
to Natural Resources Canada, for publication in its annual Motor Vehicle
Fuel Consumption Guide, fuel consumption ratings of new motor vehicles.
The fuel consumption ratings are submitted to Transport Canada by motor vehicle
manufacturers who certify that the tests and calculations were carried out in
accordance with approved Transport Canada methods.
The Transport Dangerous Goods Directorate also is part of the Safety
and Security Group. Transport Canada is the focal point for the national
program to promote public safety during the transportation of dangerous goods.
The Transport Dangerous Goods Directorate serves as the major source
of regulatory development, information and guidance on dangerous goods transport
for the general public, industry and government. Through its various components,
the Directorate works closely with other federal and provincial agencies to
implement the safety program. The Transport Dangerous Goods Directorate
maintains a Dangerous Goods Accident Information System (DGAIS),
which contains over 100 elements of information for each accident involving
dangerous goods reported to the directorate. Access to previous year's data
is made possible by Statistics Canada.
In addition to these activities, the Canadian Transport Emergency Centre (CANUTEC)
also is part of the Transport Dangerous Goods Directorate.
The CANUTEC is a national bilingual advisory centre, which was established in
1979, and is operated by Transport Canada to assist emergency response personnel
in handling dangerous goods emergencies. The CANUTEC has established a scientific
information holding on chemicals manufactured, stored and transported in Canada.
This holding consists of several data banks and includes Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS) on more than 500,000 commercial products. The CANUTEC is staffed
with professional scientists specialising in emergency response and experienced
in interpreting technical information and providing advice. The CANUTEC has
participated in a continental effort to consolidate the interpretations into
an easy to use manual: The 1996 North American Emergency
Response Guidebook. This guidebook provides information for the initial
response to accidents involving any of the 3,000 categories of dangerous goods
(this covers all of approximately 500,000 hazardous commercial products transported
in Canada). More information on the CANUTEC can be found at their web site:
www.tc.gc.ca/canutec/en/menu.htm
Other Canadian Federal Agencies
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Web site: www.tsb.gc.ca
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada was established as an independent
board in 1990. The agency is concerned with the analysis of safety failures
in the federally regulated elements of the marine, rail, pipeline and air transportation
systems.
As part of its strategy to advance transportation safety, the Board produces,
on an annual basis, modal publications (air, rail, water) reporting on the numbers
of modal accidents, incidents, fatalities and injuries that have been reported
to the Transportation Safety Board for the calendar year. The Board also makes
use of information technologies, such as the Internet, to make safety information
more readily available to industry and the public.
Pilotage Authorities
The Pilotage Act, proclaimed in force February 1, 1972, created four
pilotage regions with specific authorities. The four Pilotage Authorities (Atlantic,
Laurentian, Great Lakes and Pacific) are Crown Corporations and are responsible
to the Canadian Parliament through the Minister of Transport. The role of each
of these Pilotage Authorities is to establish, operate, maintain and administer,
in the interest of safety, an efficient and economical pilotage service within
their geographical boundaries. Each authority submits, through the Minister
of Transport, an Annual Report to Parliament. These annual reports include financial
statements concerning the respective authority's activities for the past year,
as well as historical operating statistics indicating the average number of
pilots and pilotage assignments, by compulsory pilotage area. Below are the
web sites of the four pilotage regions.
Atlantic Pilotage Authority:
Web site: www.canada.gc.ca/depts/agencies/apaind_e.html
Great Lakes Pilotage Authority:
Web site: www.canada.gc.ca/depts/agencies/glpind_e.html
Laurentian Pilotage Authority:
Web site: www.canada.gc.ca/depts/agencies/lpaind_e.html
Pacific Pilotage Authority:
Web site: www.canada.gc.ca/depts/agencies/ppaind_e.html
St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation
Web site: www.seaway.ca
The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation operates the St. Lawrence Seaway
in conjunction with the U.S. St. Lawrence Development Corporation. The two organizations
produce, on an annual basis, The St. Lawrence Seaway Traffic Report,
a statistical publication detailing marine transport activity on the St. Lawrence
Seaway. Information concerning the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation
also is readily available from its Annual Report(s) and from its web site.
Canadian Coast Guard, Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Web site: www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca
The Canadian Coast Guard's mandate is focused on sustainable ocean management
that permits a safe, environmentally sustainable marine transportation system.
It advances the ocean mandate both through its internal partnership with Department
of Fisheries and Oceans sector counterparts and through its primary role of
ensuring safe and environmentally responsible use of Canada's waterways. The
Canadian Coast Guard organization splits into five business lines, which include
marine navigation services; marine communications and traffic services; ice-breaking
operations; rescue, safety and environmental response activities; and fleet
management.
Marine Atlantic Inc.
Web site: www.marine-atlantic.ca
Marine Atlantic Inc. is a federal Crown corporation, and its mission is to
provide quality, safe and efficient transportation and hospitality services.
It has a single mandate, the constitutional year-round ferry service linking
Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, and North Sydney, Nova Scotia and the seasonal
alternative ferry service between North Sydney and Argentina, Newfoundland.
Information concerning Marine Atlantic's ferry services, including operational,
financial and traffic information, is available from its Annual Report and on
its web site.
Natural Resources Canada
Web site: www.NRCan.gc.ca
The Energy Sector at Natural Resources Canada promotes the sustainable development
and safe and efficient use of Canada's energy resources. The Energy Sector also
provides technical knowledge and advice to the energy industry and to government.
Its knowledge base helps the Canadian government create policies, implement
regulations, meet international commitments and enhance job creation and economic
growth.
Nongovernment Organizations and Associations
This list represents selected nongovernmental organizations and associations
that were used as Canadian resources for this publication. This list should
not be viewed as an exhaustive list of nongovernmental organizations
and associations that maintain and analyze transportation and transportation
related data for Canada. A brief description of each organization's general
mission and functions is provided as well as its specific data activities.
NAV CANADA
Web site: www.navcanada.ca
NAV CANADA is the country's wholly private, not-for-profit provider of civil
air navigation services (ANS). From over 130 facilities coast to coast, including
Area Control Centers, Air Traffic Control Towers, Flights Service Stations and
a network of electronic navigation aids, NAV CANADA delivers air traffic control
flight information, and airport advisory services to the regional, national
and international air transport communities and general aviation. NAV CANADA
provides aircraft movement statistics that it records at Canada's airports to
Transport Canada and the Aviation Statistics Center of Statistics Canada, for
publication on an annual basis in their joint publication, Aircraft Movements
Statistics, TP 577.
NAV CANADA also provides aircraft movement statistics it records at Canada's
national airports to the Economic Analysis Directorate of Transport Canada.
These statistics are used by Transport Canada to make forecasts, on a contractual
basis with the national airports, of future aircraft movement volumes that the
airport authorities use to plan their airport's future facility requirements.
NAV CANADA also produces periodic publications that provide information relating
to the Air Navigation System, as well as annual reports that provide a financial
profile of its organization.
Railway Association of Canada
Web site: www.railcan.ca/
The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) is the industry association of freight,
passenger and commuter railways that operate throughout Canada. Operating, financial
and traffic information are available from the RAC web site and from their annual
statistical report "Railway Trends." The RAC web site also identifies member
railway companies and has links to the web site of member railways and the Transportation
Safety Board of Canada.
Country Overview |
Statistics Canada |
Transportation and the Economy
|
Statistics Canada and Transport
Canada |
Transportation Safety |
Air: Transportation Safety Board
of Canada and Transport Canada
Road: Transport Canada and Statistics Canada
Pipeline: Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Rail: Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Water: Transportation Safety Board of Canada and Canadian Red Cross |
Transportation, Energy and the
Environment |
Natural Resources Canada, Transport
Canada and Statistics Canada |
Domestic Freight Activity |
Air: Statistics Canada
Water: Statistics Canada and Transport Canada
Pipeline: Statistics Canada
Road: Statistics Canada
Rail: Transport Canada and Statistics Canada
|
North American Merchandise Trade
|
Statistics Canada |
International Merchandise Trade
Between North America and the Rest of the World |
Statistics Canada |
Domestic Passenger Travel |
Air: Statistics Canada
Road: Statistics Canada and Transport Canada
Transit: Statistics Canada
Rail: Statistics Canada |
North American Passenger Travel
|
Statistics Canada |
International Passenger Travel
Between North America and the Rest of the World |
Statistics Canada |
Transportation Infrastructure |
Air: Natural Resources Canada and
Transport Canada
Water: Transport Canada and Statistics Canada
Pipeline: Statistics Canada
Road: Transportation Association of Canada and Transport Canada
Rail: Statistics Canada |
Transportation Vehicles |
Air: International Civil Aviation
Organization
Water: Lloyds Register of Shipping
Road: Statistics Canada and Transport Canada
Transit: Statistics Canada
Rail: Statistics Canada |
Overview of Transportation Statistics in Mexico
Overview of the Mexican Statistical System
The Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática (INEGI or the
National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics) is the only federal
agency in Mexico whose main responsibility is to gather, process, create, compile
and disseminate statistical information on a wide variety of social and economic
issues. INEGI receives its authority from the Ley de Información Estadística
y Geográfica (Statistical and Geographic Information Act). In compliance with
the Statistical and Geographic Information Act, INEGI is responsible
for the coordination of the national statistical system and the national system
on geography information, as well.
Specific Sources of Mexican Transporation and Transportion Related Data and
Information
In addition to INEGI, many federal agencies and institutions also gather, process,
create, compile and disseminate statistics on transportation. These statistics
are based on census projects, surveys by sampling and administrative records.
In addition to these federal sources, many state and municipal governments also
generate different types of statistical information, in support of their missions
and as a by-product of specific administrative functions. A brief description
of each organization's general mission and functions is provided as well as
its specific data activities. However, detailed information on agency data activities
are not described extensively here. Additional information can be found at the
web sites of individual organizations described below.
Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática (INEGI)
National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics
Web site: www.inegi.gob.mx
INEGI's mandate includes statistics, geography and informatics (information
technology). INEGI's Statistical Directorate is responsible for providing a
wide range of information to the public. To achieve this mission, social, demographic
and economic statistics are collected, processed and disseminated. Data are
collected through population, economic and agricultural censuses; industry and
activity specific surveys (for example: construction, employment, trade, and
income and expenditure of households, amongst others); administrative records;
and the national accounting system (which in turn, utilizes basic statistics
generated by the INEGI and other institutions). To perform these data collection
activities, INEGI relies upon 80 central sources and 60 local sources located
throughout Mexico and within each of the country's states. INEGI disseminates
all of its information through printed items and electronic materials, such
as diskettes, CDs and the Internet.
In terms of transportation statistics, INEGI mainly generates information through
quinquennial census data, and through the annual data from Mexico's National
Account System. Statistics on transportation and related issues also are produced
or gathered through other INEGI projects. This is the case of data for vehicle
registrations, traffic accidents, transportation characteristics for different
modes of transportation.
Among other responsibilities, INEGI also must provide the geographical information
that Mexico requires for the planning and optimal use of territorial resources.
At present, this is done in digital format through the Sistema Nacional sobre
Información Geográfica (National System on Geographical Information).
Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT)
Ministry of Communications and Transportation
Web site: www.sct.gob.mx
The Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes is responsible for the development
of a modern, efficient and sufficient transportation and communication infrastructure
that supports sustainable and sound economic growth in Mexico, and that promotes
the improvement and broadening of efficient and high quality transportation
and communication services. Within SCT, specific program areas are responsible
for transportation, generally, and transportation statistics and information,
specifically. These program areas are described below.
Coordinación General de Puertos y Marina Mercante (CGPMM)
General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine
The CGPMM is responsible for the establishment and implementation of policies,
standards, systems and procedures for maritime and port activities that encourage
the development of this transportation mode and port operations. This area provides
statistical information about maritime and port activity, including data that
describe the infrastructure and movement of freight shipments and passengers.
The CGPMM Anuario Estadístico: Movimiento de Carga, Pasajeros y Buques
(Statistical Yearbook: Movement of Shipments, Passengers and Vessels.
Dirección General de Puertos (DGP)
General Directorate of Ports
The DGP oversees the administration of concessions for Mexico's port administrations.
This includes oversight concessions of specific facilities and their use, optimization,
construction, operation and use of public property and the negotiation for the
extension, amendment, annulment, recovery or early termination of a concession.
The DGP also administers and oversees the construction, operation and use of
goods at ports, terminals, marine and port facilities not under concession,
and resolves any complaints that may be filed because of public bidding for
concessions or agreements set forth by the (Ports Act) Ley de Puertos. In terms
of statistics, this area gathers and publishes the data on individual ports,
including ports' real estate registries (which provide a description of physical
facilities of a port and associated bodies of water). It also publishes a statistical
report, Los Puertos Mexicanos en Cifras (Mexican Ports in Figures),
with information about port infrastructure, shipments, passenger and container
activity, and dredging volumes.
Dirección General de Capitanías (DGC)
General Directorate of Port Authorities
The DGC coordinates and regulates the tasks performed by Mexico's Port Authorities
(Capitanías de Puerto) and the relative delegations under their jurisdiction.
It also provides oversight of the operations of the Port Authorities, and their
correspondence with the applicable legal regulations. It also serves as the
liaison office for the communication and coordination among other SCT offices
relating to maritime transportation, including the Dirección General de Puertos,
the Dirección General de Marina Mercante, the Capitanías de Puerto and other
SCT offices and divisions. The DGC performs a followup and evaluation of the
results of port and maritime activities. It also is responsible for providing
the Harbour Masters with information about pertinent legal, operational, and
technical regulations. In terms of statistics, the DGC designs software for
the adequate control of port and maritime information and compiles statistics
and a data bank on maritime and port operations.
Dirección General de Marina Mercante (DGMM)
General Directorate of Merchant Marine
The DGMM is responsible for the regulation, promotion, coordination and control
of the Mexican merchant marine. In this capacity, it manages, coordinates and
controls the Registro Publico Marítimo Nacional (National Maritime Public
Registry) and the Programa de Abanderamiento (National
Flag Vessel Registration). The DGMM registers and grants licenses to national
flag vessels and Mexican naval vessels and equipment. In addition, the directorate
compiles a Anuario Estadístico del Sector Marítimo (Statistical Yearbook
of the Maritime Sector), which contains data on the navigation of ships and
an inventory of maritime signaling.
Administraciones Portuarias Integrales (API)
Integrated Port Administrations
The APIs are generally public/private enterprises responsible for the management
of 22 of Mexico's maritime ports. Of the current 22 APIs, 15 of these have a
majority share from the Mexican Federal Government, 5 are under the control
of state governments (Baja California Sur, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco and
Tamaulipas), 1 is completely private (Acapulco) and one is under the control
of a Trust Fund (Cabo San Lucas). In addition to port management, the APIs maintain
information about cargo and passenger activity and vessel entrances and clearances.
Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA)
Airports and Auxiliary Services
Web site: www.asa.org.mx
This organization's responsibilities include administrating, operating, modernizing,
building and maintaining Mexico's airport network, as well as raising security
levels and increasing the network's stability and efficiency.
ASA administers 58 airports, 9 of which have been concessioned and sold to
the private sector since 1998. ASA produces statistics that cover passenger,
freight and mail activity in national and international civil aviation; income
per service and operating costs; and a log of airport operations.
Caminos y Puentes Federales de Ingresos y Servicios Conexos (CAPUFE)
Federal Roads and Bridges and Related Services
Web site: www.capufe.gob.mx
CAPUFE is a decentralized federal agency that is in charge of the management,
operation, conservation, rehabilitation, expansion, modernization and construction
of roads and toll bridges. As part of its responsibilities, CAPUFE also generates
statistics based on the vehicle registry that is taken at toll roads and bridges
under its management. It also compiles organizational income and expense data.
Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC)
General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics
This DGAC is responsible for the standards design, coordination and surveillance
of national and international air public transportation services, and of auxiliary
and related services and their facilities, and for the safety oversight of these
services. It also is responsible for determining the necessary arrangements
for concessions, permits and authorizations to provide air carrier and private
general aviation transportation services. In terms of statistics, the DGAC is
responsible for conducting and publishing studies, statistics and operational,
financial and occupational data on passenger and freight transportation by the
commercial air carriers, and the compilation of information about aviation accidents
and incidents.
Dirección General de Autotransporte Federal (DGAF)
General Directorate of Federal Motor Carriers
The DGAF is responsible for the regulation, standards design, surveillance
and sanctioning of public and private motor carrier services operating on roads
under federal jurisdiction. It also is responsible for the design of the operational
systems for the motor carrier services. The directorate generates statistics
on the number of motor carrier companies and their vehicle fleets and the infrastructure
related to such services.
Dirección General de Planeación (DGP)
General Directorate of Planning
The DGP is responsible for developing the objectives, strategies and guidelines
for the transportation sector. It works to establish the effective steps and
goals according to transportation policies and is involved in developing the
necessary planning tools to support these. The DGP also produces a cartography
of the transport sector, publishes maps with infrastructure data, road maps
and other graphical documents. In terms of transportation statistics, this area
is responsible for compiling and publishing the Anuario Estadístico del
Sector Comunicaciones y Transportes (Annual Statistical Report on the
Communications and Transportation Sector). This report offers users a statistical
compendium with the most relevant data on variables and basic indicators for
all modes of transportation.
Dirección General de Policía Federal de Caminos y Puertos (DGPFCP)
General Directorate of Federal Highway and Ports Patrol
The mission of this directorate is to supervise, keep order and guarantee public
safety on roads that are under federal jurisdiction. In terms of transportation
statistics, the DGPFCP generates data on motor vehicle crashes, robberies and
people arrested on roads under federal jurisdiction. Until the end of October
1999, this agency was part of SCT. After this time, it became part of the Secretaría
de Gobernación (Ministry of Interior and Governmental Affairs).
Dirección General de Protección y Medicina Preventiva en el Transporte (DGPMPT)
General Directorate of Protection and Preventive Medicine in Transport
The basic task of the DGPMPT is to determine the physiological conditions that
personnel involved in the operation of different modes of transportation and
related services must meet, and to document the medical history of such personnel.
In terms of statistics, the DGPMPT keeps administrative records on medical and
physiological exams, and toxicological tests conducted to decrease occupational
hazards and accidents when providing transport services.
Dirección General de Servicios Técnicos (DGST)
General Directorate of Technical Services
In support of highway planning, the DGST conducts studies and performs and
develops road programs for the construction, modernization and expansion of
free (nontoll) highway traffic routes, toll roads and highways under concession.
Through field surveys, it gathers data on the origin-destination, weights and
dimensions of motor carriers and traffic volume on Mexico's national road network.
In addition, the DGST creates and keeps an updated national inventory of infrastructure
works.
Dirección General de Tarifas, Transporte Ferroviario y Multimodal (DGTTFM)
General Directorate of Rates, Railroad and Multimodal Transportation
The basic task of this unit is the definition of general principles for rate
regulations of air, road and railway transportation services, and of the services
offered and performed in ground and airport federal areas. The DGTTFM also is
responsible for the coordination, regulation, control and sanctioning of services
provided within the railway and multimodal transportation services, except for
operational systems. In addition, because of the separation of several railroad
lines from Mexico's national rail system, this unit is responsible for the gathering
of data on railroad transportation, a task previously undertaken by the National
Railroads of Mexico (Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México) prior to 1997.
Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México (FNM)
National Railroads of Mexico
The FNM is responsible for ensuring a safe, efficient and competitive railway
system to help satisfy economic needs and establish closer ties between international
and national markets. Due to the privatization of some lines of the (National
Railway System) Sistema Ferroviario Nacional, since 1998 this agency only records
statistical information for the Southeast Railways (Ferrocarril del Sureste)
and short line railroads still under its control. (Prior to 1998, the FNM was
responsible for statistical information for all of Mexico's railroads).
Instituto Mexicano del Transporte (IMT)
Mexican Institute of Transport
Web site: www.imt.mx
IMT is a technological research and development center under SCT. IMT was created
in response to the need for modernizing infrastructure, optimizing operations,
developing or adapting technologies according to the country's needs and promoting
national industrial production. As part of its organizational mandate, IMT conducts
research projects in the area of public and private transport. In addition,
the Institute has several programs that are aimed at developing adequate human
capital, through education and training, for the transportation sector.
IMT compiles and disseminates an annual Manuel Estadístico del Sector
Transporte (Statistical Manual for the Transport Sector.) This publication
includes official transportation and transportation related statistics for all
modes of transport. The manual aims to offer those interested in the subject
an overall perspective on the evolution of multimodal and intermodal transport
in Mexico. Similarly, the IMT collaborates with SCT's Dirección General de Servicios
Técnicos (Technical Services Directorate) to develop field surveys on the origin,
destination, weight and size of road freight transport vehicles. IMT also processes
this field data and publishes statistics periodically. This annual survey is
known as the Estudio Estadístico de Campo del Autotransporte Nacional
(Field Statistics Study of National Auto Transport).
Servicios a la Navegación en el Espacio Aéro Mexicano (SENEAM)
Navigation Services in Mexican Air Space
Web site: www.sct.gob.mx/estructura/seneam.htm/
SENEAM provides air traffic control services, aeronautical meteorology, radio-aided
navigation, aeronautical telecommunications, airplane dispatching, aeronautical
information, operational messages, administrative services of any kind required
by companies, government offices, agencies or individuals in national and international
air transport activities, and all services necessary to guaranty safety, order
and a smooth traffic flow. SENEAM also generates statistical information on
infrastructure, equipment, operation and support services for air navigation,
as well as writing, updating and distributing the Publicación de Información
Aeronáutica (Aeronautical Information Publication).
Unidad de Autopistas de Cuota (UAC)
Toll Highway Unit
The UAC is responsible for permits and authorizations for the construction
of road access, crossings and facilities for Mexico's toll roads. The unit is
also in charge of recording the fees being collected at toll roads and bridges.
In terms of statistics, this office gathers data on all vehicles that travel
on toll roads and bridges and conducts statistical analysis and operational
evaluations. In its statistical analysis, the UAC includes data from the Caminos
y Puentes Federales de Ingresos y Servicios Conexos (Federal Roads and Bridges
and Related Services) in calculating the levels of vehicle traffic. These data
are measured in annual and monthly average daily traffic.
Other Mexican Federal Agencies
Banco de Mexico, BANXICO
Bank of Mexico
Web site: www.banxico.org.mx
BANXICO´s chief purpose is to supply national currency to the country's economy.
In achieving this goal, the central bank's primary objective is to maintain
the stability of the currency's purchasing power. The bank also helps promote
the development of the financial system and ensures a smooth functioning of
payment systems. In coordination with other organizations, BANXICO is responsible
for compiling, analyzing and publishing economic and financial statistics. In
terms of transportation statistics, BANXICO generates data on tourism flows,
differentiating between tourists that enter or leave the country by land or
by air.
Comisión Nacional para el Ahorro de Energía, CONAE
National Commission for Energy Conservation
Web site: www.conae.gob.mx
The Commission serves as a technical consulting agency on energy conservation
and efficiency for federal agencies and entities, state and municipal governments,
and individuals. The Commission is comprised of representatives from several
other federal Ministries. CONAE is responsible for promoting energy conservation
across all sectors of the Mexican society and economy. Specifically, CONAE's
most important functions are promoting, coordinating and evaluating strategies;
programs and action on energy conservation and efficiency; and developing and
disseminating research, technologies and studies to support these objectives.
Comisión Reguladora de Energía, CRE
Energy Regulation Commission
Web site: www.cre.gob.mx
The mission of the CRE is to promote efficient development of the gas and electrical
energy sectors for the benefit of users. To meet this objective, the Commission
regulates the electric and natural gas industries in Mexico. The activities
regulated and defined in the Ley de la CRE (CRE Act) are generating,
operating, transforming, marketing and supplying electrical energy, as well
as regulating the transport, storage and distribution of petroleum and natural
gas.
Instituto Nacional de Ecología, INE
National Institute of Ecology
Web site: www.ine.gob.mx
The INE is part of the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales y Pesca
(Ministry of the Environment, Natural Resources and Fisheries), and is responsible
for developing environmental policies and applying different provisions for
regulating and managing the environment. Its responsibilities cover both sectoral
as well as regional subjects. Because of the impact that transportation has
on the environment, INE also engages in transportation related activities and
projects. Among these are: determining standards for the maximum allowable levels
for automotive vehicle emissions; carrying out emissions inventories of the
atmosphere by sector and greenhouse effect gases; evaluating the environmental
impact for building and operating general transport routes (roadways, railways,
airports, etc.); establishing air quality monitoring networks; and gathering
information from these activities.
Instituto Nacional de Migración, INM
National Institute of Migration
The INM is part of the Secretaría de Gobernación (Ministry of Interior and
Governmental Affairs,) and is in charge of planning, executing, controlling,
supervising and evaluating migratory services, as well as coordinating with
other federal agencies that also have responsibilities in the area of migration.
INM documents and registers the entrance and exit of nationals and foreigners
by land, air or maritime routes. Statistical information is generated according
to concepts established in the Ley General de Población (General
Population Act) and is provided monthly to the Bank of Mexico to determine figures
for tourist income and expenditures.
Petróleos Mexicanos, PEMEX
Mexican Petroleum Company
Web site: www.pemex.org.mx
PEMEX is a public, decentralized agency that is responsible for the exploration
and exploitation of hydrocarbons and the production, storage, distribution and
commercializing of petroleum and petrochemical products in Mexico. The agency
generates a wide array of information on these activities.
Secretaría de Comercio y Fomento Industrial, SECOFI
Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development
Web site: www.secofi.gob.mx/
The Secretaría de Comercio y Fomento Industrial is a federal executive agency
that has as its mission the following functions: formulating and developing
general policies in the areas of industry, mining, international trade, domestic
trade and supply; regulating, directing and estimating consumer protection measures;
registering industrial property and commercial ownership; overseeing and regulating
foreign investment in Mexico; overseeing and regulating technology transfer
and promoting and organizing industry and technology development. In regard
to transportation statistics, SECOFI disseminates information on Mexico's merchandise
trade by mode of transportation.
Secretaría de Energía, SE
Ministry of Energy
Web site: www.energia.gob.mx/
The Secretaría de Energía has, as its principal functions, the following: developing
Mexico's national energy policies; promoting Mexico's use of hydrocarbon and
nuclear energy, carrying out energy planning and setting the economic and social
policies for the sector's state government enterprises, accomplishing and promoting
research on energy costs and savings and issuing official energy standards for
Mexico. In terms of transportation statistics, the SE develops and provides
information on Mexico's energy balance, and other energy related indicators.
Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público, SHCP
Ministry of Finance and Public Credit
Web site: www.shcp.gob.mx/index.html
The Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público is responsible for projecting
and coordinating national development planning with the participation of interested
social groups; coordinating and developing the national statistical and geographic
information services; and establishing standards and procedures for the organization,
functioning and coordination of the national statistical and geographic information
systems, including coordinating the information services of federal agencies
and organizations. The Dirección General de Aduanas (General Directorate of
Customs; or Customs Service) is an agency of the SHCP. The Dirección General
de Aduanas has as its responsibilities some of the following: promoting programs
and activities in order to implement legislative policies relating to Customs;
preventing financial offences and crimes; developing, promoting and evaluating
the specific systems, methods and procedures of the Customs Service, including
the collection of statistical information on international trade.
Secretaría de Programación y Presupuesto, SPP
(Former) Ministry of Planning and Budgeting
The functions and responsibilities of the Secretaría de Programación y Presupuesto
(SPP) were transferred to the Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público in the
first trimester of 1992.
Secretaría de Turismo, SECTUR
Ministry of Tourism
Web site: mexico-travel.com
SECTUR is responsible for formulating and managing policy on the development
of national tourist activities; formulating and disseminating official information
concerning tourism; coordinating tourism advertising that is disseminated by
various Federal Government agencies, state and municipal authorities, and social
and private sectors; and compiling statistics on tourism, according to provisions
set forth by the Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público (Ministry of the Finance
and Public Credit).
Country Overview |
Instituto Nacional de Estadística,
Geografía e Informática |
Transportation and the Economy
|
Instituto Nacional de Estadística,
Geografía e Informática
Banco de México
Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público
Secretaría de Programación y Presupuesto |
Transportation Safety |
Air: Secretaría de Comunicaciones
y Transportes Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil
Road: Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática and Secretaría
de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Dirección General de Policía Federal de
Caminos y Puertos)
Pipeline: Petróleos Mexicanos
Transit: Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática
Rail: Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática and Secretaría
de Comunicaciones y Transportes
(Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México)
Water: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Coordinación General
de Puertos y Marina Mercante) |
Transportation, Energy and the
Environment |
Secretaría de Energía,
Comisión Nacional para el Ahorro de Energía
Comisión Reguladora de Energía
Secretaría de Medio Ambiente,
Recursos Naturales y Pesca
Instituto Nacional de Ecología |
Domestic Freight Activity |
Air: Secretaría de Comunicaciones
y Transportes (Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares and Dirección General
de
Aeronáutica Civil)
Road: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Dirección General de Autotransporte
Federal, Caminos y Puentes Federales de Ingresos y Servicios Conexos, and
Instituto Mexicano del Transporte)
Pipeline: Petróleos Mexicanos
Rail: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Ferrocarriles Nacionales
de México)
Water: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Domestic Freight Activity_Continued
Transportes (Coordinación General de Puertos y Marina Mercante and Dirección
General de Puertos) |
North American Merchandise Trade
|
Instituto Nacional de Estadística,
Geografía e Informática,
Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Dirección General de Aeronáutica
Civil, Coordinación General de Puertos y Marina Mercante, Ferrocarriles
Nacionales de México, and Instituto Mexicano del Transporte
Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público,
Secretaría de Comercio y Fomento Industrial
Banco de México |
International Merchandise Trade
Between North America and the Rest of the World |
Instituto Nacional de Estadística,
Geografía e Informática,
Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Dirección General de Aeronáutica
Civil,
Coordinación General de Puertos y Marina Mercante,
Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México, and Instituto Mexicano del Transporte
Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público,
Secretaría de Comercio y Fomento Industrial
Banco de México |
Domestic Passenger Travel |
Air: Secretaría de Comunicaciones
y Transportes (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil and Instituto Mexicano
del Transporte)
Road: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Dirección General de Autotransporte
Federal and
Caminos y Puentes Federales de Ingresos y Servicios Conexos)
Rail: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Ferrocarriles Nacionales
de México)
Transit: Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática
Water: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Coordinación General
de Puertos y Marina Mercante and Dirección General de Puertos) |
North American Passenger Travel
|
Banco de México
Instituto Nacional de Migración
Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática
Secretaría de Turismo
Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes |
International Passenger Travel
Between North America and the Rest of the World |
Banco de México
Instituto Nacional de Migración
Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática
Secretaría de Turismo
Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes |
Transportation Infrastructure
|
Air: Secretaría de Comunicaciones
y Transportes
(Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil)
Road: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Caminos y Puentes Federales
de Ingresos y Servicios Conexos and Dirección General de Evaluación)
Pipeline: Petróleos Mexicanos
Transit: Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática and
various local
transit authorities
Rail: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Ferrocarriles Nacionales
de México)
Water: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Coordinación General
de Puertos y Marina Mercante and Dirección General de Puertos) |
Transportation Vehicles |
Air: Secretaría de Comunicaciones
y Transportes
(Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares and Dirección General de Aeronáutica
Civil)
Road: Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática and Secretaría
de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Instituto Mexicano del Transporte)
Transit: Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática and
various local transit authorities
Rail: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Ferrocarriles Nacionales
de México)
Water: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Coordinación General
de Puertos y Marina Mercante and Dirección General de Puertos) |
Overview of Transportation Statistics in the United States
Overview of the U.S. Statistical System
The U.S. statistical system is highly decentralized. Responsibility for producing
federal statistics is divided among approximately 70 agencies. Eleven agencies,
located in 9 departments, have statistical activities (collecting, analyzing,
producing and disseminating statistical data) as their primary mission. These
agencies are the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau at the
Department of Commerce, the Bureau of Labor Statistics at the Department of
Labor, the Statistics of Income Division at the Department of Treasury, the
Energy Information Administration at the Department of Energy, the National
Center of Health Statistics at the Department of Health and Human Services,
the Bureau of Justice Statistics at the Department of Justice, the National
Center for Education Statistics at the Department of Education, the Economic
Research Service and the National Agricultural Statistics Service at the Department
of Agriculture and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics at the Department
of Transportation. Each of these agencies maintains its own separate budget.
In addition, there are approximately 60 other agencies that also conduct statistical
activities, although statistics are not the primary mission of these agencies.
Oversight and coordination of the U.S. statistical system is the responsibility
of the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs (OMB/OIRA).
Specific Sources of U.S. Transportation and Transporation Related Data and
Information
The following section discusses the roles and responsibilities of selected
U.S. federal agencies along with other organizations that plan, collect, coordinate,
develop and maintain transportation and transportation related data and information.
For some of these organizations, transportation statistics are a primary focus.
For others, it is one of many activities, and for some, it represents a by-product
of primary functions. This list represents many of the U.S. sources used in
this publication, but should not be viewed as exhaustive. A brief description
of each organization's general mission and functions is provided as well as
its specific data activities. However, detailed information on agency data activities
is not described extensively here. Additional information on specific surveys,
methodologies, dissemination and other items can be found at the web sites of
individual organizations described below. Some transportation data and information
from nonfederal sources also are discussed here.
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Web site: www.dot.gov/
The mission of the Department of Transportation is to serve the United States
by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation
system that meets U.S. vital national interests and enhances the quality of
life of the public. The Department has five strategic goals: (1) Safety (promote
the public health and safety by working toward the elimination of transportation
related deaths and injuries), (2) Mobility (shape an accessible, affordable
and reliable transportation system for all people and goods), (3) Economic Growth
(support a transportation system that sustains U.S. economic growth), (4) Human
and Natural Environment (protect and enhance communities and the natural environment
affected by transportation) and (5) National Security (ensure the security of
the transportation system for the movement of people and goods). The DOT consists
of the Office of the Secretary and twelve individual operating administrations.
These include the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, US Coast Guard, the Federal
Aviation Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Railroad
Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Maritime Administration,
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Research and Special Programs
Administration, the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, the Surface
Transportation Board, the Transportation Administrative Services Center and
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (as of January 2000).
Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Web site: www.bts.gov/
The mission of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is the development
of transportation data, information and analysis of high quality and to advance
their effective use in both public and private decision making. These decisions
focus on transportation investment, policies and planning decisions in the areas
of safety, economic activity, mobility, national security and the human and
natural environment, which are also the overarching strategic goals of the USDOT.
BTS compiles, analyzes and makes accessible information about the nation's transportation
systems; collects information on various aspects of transportation; and enhances
the quality and effectiveness of the USDOT's statistical programs through research,
the development of guidelines and the promotion of improvements in data acquisition
and use. BTS customers include the US Congress, federal, state and local governments;
transportation-related associations; private business and industry; universities
and the general public. BTS measures its performance in terms of specific data
and information outcomes, including relevance, quality, timeliness, comparability,
completeness and utility.
BTS' largest data collection programs are the Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) (conducted
jointly with the Census Bureau) and the National Personal Transportation Survey/American
Travel Survey (NPTS/ATS, conducted jointly with the Federal Highway Administration),
to identify where freight and people go by all modes of transportation. BTS
also sponsors the processing of transportation related data for U.S. merchandise
land trade and then analyzes and disseminates this information. In conjunction
with the Bureau of Economic Analysis at the Department of Commerce, BTS has
developed the Transportation Satellite Accounts (TSAs) for the United States,
which provide a way to measure both inhouse and for-hire transportation services
contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) in a framework consistent with
the national accounts. In addition, BTS' Office of Airline Information (OAI)
collects, maintains and analyzes financial, market and performance data of the
airline industry. BTS also manages the National Transportation Library and leads
the Federal Government's effort in developing geo-spatial data for transportation.
BTS also is developing the Intermodal Transportation Data Base
(ITDB) that will link key safety and other data sets for multimodal analysis
through web-based technologies.
Federal Aviation Administration
Web site: www.faa.gov/
The primary function of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is to foster
the development and safety of aviation in the United States. FAA maintains a
diverse set of data that supports critical activities in safety regulation;
airspace and air traffic management; management of air navigation facilities;
research, engineering and development; testing and evaluation of aviation systems;
airport programs; and registration of aircraft.
Federal Highway Administration
Web site: www.fhwa.dot.gov/
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) directly administers a number of
road transportation activities, including standards development, research and
technology, training, technical assistance, highway access to federally-owned
and Indian lands and commercial vehicle safety enforcement. FHWA also has a
significant role, working through partnerships, programs, policies and the allocation
of resources, in facilitating the strategic development and maintenance of state
and local roads and intermodal transportation systems. FHWA statistical activities
include the collection, analysis and dissemination of data on the U.S. road
system, infrastructure financing, vehicle fuel consumption, vehicle registrations,
driver registrations and characteristics of local travel.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Web site: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
The mission of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the
issuance, administration and enforcement of federal motor carrier safety regulations
and the drug and alcohol testing requirements under U.S. hazardous materials
regulations. FMCSA's goal is to achieve continuous safety improvements in the
U.S. highway system, intermodal connections and motor carrier operations through
the development and promotion of data-driven, analysis-based, and innovative
programs. FMCSA began as a USDOT operating administration in January 2000. FMSCA
collects, analyzes and disseminates motor carrier safety and related data.
Federal Railroad Administration
Web site: www.fra.dot.gov/
The mission of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is to promulgate and
enforce rail safety regulations, administer railroad financial assistance programs,
conduct research and development in support of improved railroad safety and
national rail transportation policy and facilitate the development of new and
improved rail technology. FRA collects, analyzes and disseminates data on the
U.S. railroad system, including traffic, safety and accident reports, as well
as information on grade crossings and inspections.
Federal Transit Administration
Web site: www.fta.dot.gov/
The mission of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is to assist public
and private transit companies in the development of improved transit systems,
facilities and equipment, and to provide assistance to state and local governments
in financing these systems and facilities. The FTA collects, analyzes and disseminates
operating and financial data on transit systems and services in the United States.
Maritime Administration
Web site: www.marad.dot.gov/
The mission of the Maritime Administration (MARAD) is to promote the development,
operation and maintenance of the U.S. Merchant Marine. MARAD also seeks to ensure
that the United States enjoys adequate shipbuilding and repair service, efficient
ports, effective intermodal water and land transportation systems, and reserve
shipping capacity in time of national emergency. MARAD collects, analyzes, maintains
and disseminates data on foreign and domestic trade, vessel characteristics
and itineraries, port facilities, shipbuilding and repair, ship values, financial
reports and operating expenses, shipping activities and maritime employment.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Web site: www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
The mission of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is
to improve the safety of motor vehicle transportation by identifying and eliminating
motor vehicle and road safety problems. NHTSA collects, analyzes and disseminates
data and information on road and vehicle safety, including motor vehicle-related
crashes, injuries and fatalities and the economic costs of these.
Research and Special Programs Administration
Web site: www.rspa.dot.gov/
The mission of the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) is to
serve as a long-range research and technical development arm of the USDOT and
to conduct special programs. Statistical activities include the collection of
data on the movement of hazardous materials and the safety of liquid and natural
gas pipelines.
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
Web site: www.dot.gov/slsdc/
The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) is responsible for
operating and maintaining the St. Lawrence Seaway in cooperation with Canada,
and for developing international trade throughout the Great Lakes Seaway system.
Statistical activities include the analysis and dissemination of data specific
to the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Surface Transportation Board
Web site: www.stb.dot.gov/
The Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) is a bipartisan, independent,
adjudicatory body, housed within the USDOT. The Board was established following
the termination of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) in 1995, and assumed
certain ICC regulatory functions. These included broad economic oversight of
railroads, and more limited oversight of pipeline carriers, intercity bus carriers,
water carriers engaged in noncontiguous domestic trade, household goods carriers,
and certain types of motor carriers. The STB collects, maintains and analyzes
economic, financial and employment data on Class I railroads in the U.S.
U.S. Coast Guard
Web site: www.uscg.mil/
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is one of five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces,
and falls under the jurisdiction of DOT. The USCG is the country's oldest continuous
seagoing service with responsibilities that include search and rescue operations,
maritime law enforcement, navigation aids, icebreaking, environmental protection,
port security and military readiness. The USCG collects, maintains and analyzes
data on recreational boating safety; commercial vessel casualties; merchant
marine licensees; USCG inspections of foreign and U.S. vessels, offshore and
port facilities; USCG search and rescue performance; and pollution incidents
that occur within navigable waters of the United States.
U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC)
Web site: www.doc.gov/
The Department of Commerce promotes job creation, economic growth, sustainable
development and improved living standards by working in partnership with business,
universities, communities and workers. Specifically, the Commerce Department
facilitates technology that is used in the workplace and home every day; supports
the development, gathering and transmitting of information essential to competitive
business; promotes the diversity of companies and goods; supports environmental
and economic health for communities; and conducts the constitutionally mandated
decennial census.
U.S. Census Bureau
Web site: www.census.gov/
The U.S. Census Bureau (Census) is responsible for collecting, tabulating and
publishing a variety of statistical data about the United States. Census' responsibilities
include the decennial census of population and housing; quinquennial censuses
of state and local governments and domestic industries; special censuses done
at the request and expense of states and localities, and statistical compilations
of U.S. foreign trade. Among its major transportation data activities are the
Census of Transportation, the Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey (VIUS), and the
Transportation Annual Survey (TAS). The Census of Transportation is conducted
every 5 years (years ending in 7 and 2), and collects financial and operational
data on domestic establishments that provide passenger and freight transportation.
The VIUS (formerly known as the Truck Inventory and Use Survey, or TIUS) measures
the physical and operational characteristics of the U.S. private and commercial
trucking fleet. The TAS collects data on revenue, expenses and vehicle fleet
inventories for commercial motor freight transportation and public warehousing
service industries. In addition, Census jointly conducts the Commodity Flow
Survey with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics at DOT.
Bureau of Economic Analysis
Web site: www.bea.doc.gov/
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) is responsible for preparing, developing
and interpreting sets of economic accounts that include national income and
wealth accounts, state and regional income and product accounts and international
trade and balance of payment accounts. In conjunction with the Bureau of Transportation
Statistics, BEA helped develop the Transportation Satellite Account (TSA).
International Trade Administration
Web site: www.ita.doc.gov/
The International Trade Administration (ITA) disseminates data and reports
on U.S. merchandise and service trade, production prices and foreign direct
investment in the United States. In addition, the Tourism Industries Office
at ITA collects and maintains
data on international travel to and from the United States.
Other U.S. Federal Agencies
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor
Web site: www.stats.bls.gov/
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is responsible for collecting, analyzing
and disseminating data on employment, prices and consumer expenditures, compensation
and working conditions, productivity and employment projections. This includes
data for the U.S. transportation sector.
Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department
of Energy
Web site: www.eia.doe.gov/
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is responsible for collecting,
processing and publishing energy supply and demand data and information on energy
consumption, distribution and related technologies. EIA develops analyses on
energy trends and their micro- and macroeconomic effects. Coverage includes
data on coal, petroleum, natural gas, and electric and nuclear energy.
Environmental Protection Agency
Web site: www.epa.gov/
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors the quality of the air and
drinking, surface and ground water, ecosystem status and the introduction of
toxic or hazardous substances into the environment. It conducts research and
studies to provide baseline data and to evaluate and support environmental monitoring
systems. Established in 1997, the Center for Environmental Information and Statistics
(CEIS) is EPA's one-stop source of data and information on environmental quality
and trends.
National Transportation Safety Board
Web site: www.ntsb.gov/
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency
charged by the U.S. Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident
in the United States and significant accidents in the railroad, highway, marine
and pipeline modes. It also issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing
future accidents. The NTSB compiles, analyzes and disseminates data and information
on transportation accidents that it investigates.
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, U.S. Department of Defense
Web site: www.usace.army.mil/
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for the operation and
maintenance of the U.S. waterway system to ensure efficient and safe passage
of commercial and recreational vessels. The USACE's Navigation Data Center (NDC)
is responsible for establishing and maintaining a variety of navigation-oriented
databases. These include databases of foreign and domestic waterborne commerce,
domestic commercial vessels, port facilities, lock facilities and operations
and navigation dredging projects.
U.S. Customs Service, U.S. Department of Treasury
Web site: www.customs.ustreas.gov/
The U. S. Customs Service (Customs) ensures that all imports and exports comply
with U.S. laws and regulations. Customs collects and verifies tariff and trade
data, which the Census Bureau tabulates, analyzes and disseminates. In addition,
Customs collects and maintains border crossing data for passengers, vehicles
and vessels entering the United States.
Nongovernment Organizations and Associations
This list represents selected nongovernmental organizations and associations
that were used as U.S. resources for this publication. This list should not
be viewed as an exhaustive list of nongovernmental organizations and associations
that maintain and analyze transportation and transportation related data for
the United States. A brief description of each organization's general mission
and functions is provided as well as its specific data activities.
Association of American Railroads
Web site: www.aar.org/
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) represents North America's major
freight railroads and Amtrak. Among its activities, AAR compiles and disseminates
a variety of data on railroads, including its annual Railroad Fact book,
which provides financial and operating statistics for Class I railroads in the
United States.
American Public Transit Association
Web site: www.apta.com/
The American Public Transit Association (APTA) represent operators of bus,
rapid transit and commuter rail systems, and the organization is responsible
for planning, designing, constructing, financing and operating transit systems.
Among its activities, APTA compiles and publishes transit data, including its
annual Transit Fact Book.
Association of Oil Pipe Lines
Telephone: 202-408-7970
The Association of Oil Pipe Lines is an unincorporated nonprofit organization,
which among other activities, assembles, maintains and disseminates current
information about the U.S. oil pipeline industry.
American Gas Association
Web site: www.aga.com/
The American Gas Association (AGA) represents 181 local natural gas utilities
that deliver gas to 54 million homes and businesses in all 50 states. Among
its activities, AGA acts as a clearinghouse for natural gas energy information.
Country Overview Data |
Population and Area: U.S. Census
Bureau
Labor Force: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Gross Domestic Product: Bureau of Economic Analysis |
Transportation and the Economy |
Bureau of Transportation Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau
Bureau of Economic Analysis
Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Transportation Safety |
Air: Federal Aviation Administration
Water: Maritime Administration and U.S. Coast Guard
Road Motor Vehicles: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and
Federal Highway Administration
Pipeline: Research and Special Projects Administration
Transit: Federal Transit Administration
Rail: Federal Railroad Administration
Multimodal Analysis: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Multimodal Investigations: National Transportation Safety Board |
Transportation, Energy and the
Environment |
Energy: Bureau of Transportation
Statistics
Energy: Other U.S. DOT Modal Administrations
Energy: Energy Information Agency
Environment: Environmental Protection Agency
Environment: Bureau of Transportation Statistics |
Domestic Freight Activity |
Air: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Water: Army Corps of Engineers
Road: Bureau of Transportation Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau
Rail: Federal Railroad Administration
Multimodal: Bureau of Transportation Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau |
North American Merchandise Trade |
Air: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
and U.S. Census Bureau
Road: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Rail: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Pipeline: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Water: Army Corps of Engineers and Maritime Administration
Land Border Crossing: Customs Service |
International Merchandise Trade
Between North America and the Rest of the World |
Air: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
and U.S. Census Bureau
Road: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Rail: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Pipeline: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Water: Army Corps of Engineers and Maritime Administration |
Domestic Passenger Travel |
Air: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Road: Federal Highway Administration
Transit: Federal Transit Administration and American Public Transit Association
Rail: Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, and American Public Transit
Association
Long Distance Travel: Bureau of Transportation Statistics |
North American Passenger Travel |
Air: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Long Distance Travel: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Land Border Crossing: Customs Service |
International Passenger Travel
Between North America and the Rest of the World |
Air: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
and International Trade Administration
Long Distance Travel: Bureau of Transportation Statistics |
Transportation Infrastructure |
Water: Army Corps of Engineers
Road: Federal Highway Administration
Transit: Federal Transit Administration and American Public Transit Association
Rail: Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, and American Public Transit
Association |
Transportation Vehicles |
Air: Federal Aviation Administration
and Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Water: Maritime Administration, U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers
Road: Federal Highway Administration
Transit: Federal Transit Administration and American Public Transit Association
Rail: Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, and American Public Transit
Association |
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