Sec. 1404. Transportation demand data and modeling study
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The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct a study on transportation demand data and modeling, including transportation demand forecasting, and make recommendations for developing and utilizing transportation and traffic demand models with a demonstrated record of accuracy. In carrying out the study under this section, the Secretary shall— collect observed transportation demand data and transportation demand forecasts from States and metropolitan planning organizations, including data and forecasts on— traffic counts; transportation mode share and public transportation ridership; and vehicle occupancy measures; compare the transportation demand forecasts with the observed transportation demand data gathered under subparagraph (A), including an analysis of the level of accuracy of forecasts and possible reasons for large discrepancies; and use the information described in subparagraphs
(A)and
(B)to— develop best practices and guidance for States and metropolitan planning organizations to use in forecasting transportation demand for future investments in transportation improvements; evaluate the impact of transportation investments, including new roadway capacity, on transportation behavior and transportation demand, including public transportation ridership, induced highway transportation, and congestion; support more accurate transportation demand forecasting by States and metropolitan planning organizations; enhance the capacity of States and metropolitan planning organizations to— forecast transportation demand; and track observed transportation behavior responses, including induced transportation, to changes in transportation capacity, pricing, and land use patterns; and develop transportation demand management strategies to maximize the efficiency of the transportation system, improve mobility, reduce congestion, and lower vehicle emissions. In carrying out the study under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that data and forecasts described in paragraph (2)(A) are collected from— States; metropolitan planning organizations that serve an area with a population of 200,000 people or fewer; and metropolitan planning organizations that serve an area with a population of over 200,000 people. In carrying out this section, the Secretary may, and is encouraged to, procure additional data as necessary from university transportation centers, private sector providers, and other entities as is needed and may use funds authorized under section 503(b) of title 23, United States Code, for carrying out this paragraph. In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with, and collect data and input from, representatives of— the Department of Transportation; State departments of transportation; metropolitan planning organizations; local governments; providers of public transportation; nonprofit entities related to transportation, including safety, cycling, disability, and equity groups; and any other stakeholders, as determined by the Secretary. Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a). The Secretary shall seek opportunities to support the transportation planning processes under sections 134 and 135 of title 23, United States Code, through the provision of data to States and metropolitan planning organizations to improve the quality of transportation plans, models, and demand forecasts. The Secretary shall— update Department of Transportation guidance and procedures to utilize best practices documented throughout the Federal program; and ensure that best practices included in the report are incorporated into appropriate regulations as such regulations are updated. The Secretary shall set out a process to repeat the study under this section every 2 years as part of the conditions and performance report, including— progress in the accuracy of model projections; further recommendations for improvement; and further changes to guidance, regulation, and procedures required for the Department of Transportation to adopt best practices.