Regional Bus Data Collection

In 1998, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) initiated a three-phased regional bus data collection project. This was a grant-funded project that allows the city of Fairfax, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Arlington and Alexandria to collect and file performance data for FTA's National Transit Database Reports, which will bring more federal money to the region.

Phase I: Survey Design

A consultant was retained to work with local and regional staff to design sampling methods to provide timely and accurate ridership data by route and jurisdiction for all Northern Virginia's bus systems and to perform integrated collection of the data need to complete NTD reports which will allow the region to earn additional federal formula assistance each year. Among the specific data elements compiled by route and jurisdiction are average passenger trip length and passenger miles. In addition to operational statistics, there are also financial reporting requirements. The design for financial reporting involved a review of current accounting practices to identify areas where additional data are needed.

Phase II: National Transit Database Reports (formerly Section 15)

Using methods devised in the first phase, the region collected data and filed reports with FTA for local bus systems that did not previously submit NTD reports. This qualifies the region for additional federal formula assistance. Data collection began in Fall, 1997 and annual reports were filed beginning in October, 1998.

Phase III: Jurisdiction and Route Specific Bus Ridership Data

Using the methods identified in Phase I, origin-destination and passenger transfer data were collected and analyzed. Data collection was coordinated with WMATA's bus ridership allocation survey to provide data useful to WMATA and local staffs in preparing FY 2000 budgets and service plans. The study was completed in Summer, 2001. Copies of the report can be obtained by contacting NVTC.

For more information, contact Adam McGavock at (703) 524-3322 ext 110.