Comprehensive Transportation Data Collection: Case Study in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Canada
Publication: Journal of Urban Planning and Development
Volume 137, Issue 2
Abstract
This paper addresses two questions regarding transportation data collection in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, based on analysis of data needs and a review of international data collection practices. First, will the current data collection efforts provide sufficient information to answer key transportation questions that will arise over the next decade? Second, how should the household travel survey effectively be conducted in the future, recognizing significant technological and societal changes that are occurring? The paper recommends that major established data collection efforts be continued, prioritized gaps in transportation be addressed, and a continuous research program dedicated to survey methods research be developed. The paper also outlines a strategy for upgrading the household travel survey. An Internet version of the survey, a dual-frame sampling approach, a supplementary GPS-assisted survey, and consistency of the survey with previous implementations are recommended. The transportation data challenges faced in the Greater Golden Horseshoe are not unique to the region, and the recommendations made here are relevant to data collection programs in other peer jurisdictions worldwide.
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Acknowledgments
The authors express gratitude first to two outstanding University of Toronto students who assisted in undertaking the extensive literature review, Josee Dumont and Zaven Mangassarian. The authors also thank Professor Eric J. Miller and Professor Baher Abdulhai, of the Department of Civil Engineering at University of Toronto for their insightful comments. Funding was provided by the Data Management Group, however, the recommendations in this paper are based on the independent research and opinions of the authors.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Urban Planning and Development
Volume 137 • Issue 2 • June 2011
Pages: 193 - 203
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 2, 2010
Accepted: Aug 29, 2010
Published online: May 16, 2011
Published in print: Jun 1, 2011
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