Review of Policies on Access to Transportation Planning Data and Models: Implications for Transportation Planning Agencies

Abstract

Transportation planning agencies receive requests from both public and private entities to share their transportation planning data, models, and model output. In addition, some agencies receive requests from these entities to undertake special model runs on their behalf. Planning agencies have to respond to these requests with consideration, first, of state laws governing access to public information and, second, of the professional staff time required and the significant monetary expenses incurred in the process. Given the adverse state of public finances, planning agencies may face resource challenges in responding to such requests. This paper, first, presents the results of a literature review on data sharing/release policies for the transportation sector. Second, results of a nationwide survey of transportation planning agencies, conducted to identify primary concerns related to data release and cost recovery, are presented. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of these findings for public agencies seeking to develop policies. The literature review points to the need to develop data release and sharing arrangements so that limited public resources can be maximized and to ensure data that is released is well documented so that misuse does not occur. The survey findings indicate that the area of greatest concern for most planning agencies in sharing information is the potential for misinterpretation or misuse of data or models because they have found that often, requesters do not understand the limitations or appropriate uses of the data or models. To address these concerns, this paper makes a strong case for agencies to develop formal data and model release policies and to define a specific cost recovery structure if the agency intends to charge for services.