Approved through
February 2004 with report to OMB by March 2002 on results of
efforts to determine what feasible alternative are available to
remedy the problem of nongeneralizabilty related to nonresponse in
the use of telephone survey methodology together with a definitive,
detailed plan to implement such remedies, and a second report to
OMB by March 2003 detailing progress in implementing the plan. OMB
recognizes the efforts of BTS and FHWA to find ways to improve the
generalizability of survey results from this important national
survey. We remain concerned that levels of response below the
levels expected of such surveys will mitigate against valid,
generalizable results. In our discussions with BTS and FHWA, we
believe this problem is clearly understood and appreciate efforts
to remedy the problem that were set forth in the October 5, 2000,
submission reporting on pretest results and attempts to deal with
problems of nonresponse. Subsequently, DOT (BTS) has described
additional efforts such as (a) nonresponse analysis using address
match data, and (b) the analysis of the nonrespondent
population--for example, the characteristics of potential
respondents lost between recruitment and survey completion. BTS,
working with the National Research Council, will also be
undertaking a 3 year effort to look at alternatives to current
methodologies in this area. The reports to OMB will provide the
needed analysis to determine what methodology should be utilized,
as well as address other acknowledged problems. OMB will rely
heavily on the reports required by these terms of clearance when
considering approval of the initiation of another major personal
travel survey of this kind.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
02/29/2004
02/29/2004
12/31/2002
25,000
0
1,400
13,750
0
833
0
0
0
The American Travel Survey (ATS)
provides information on the travel patterns of the American public
and how travel is changing over time. Eligible respondents are
persons of all ages residing in U.S. households
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.