The NHTS is the U.S. Department of TransportationÂs only inventory of passenger travel. The data are used to determine current travel characteristics, such as the relative proportion of travel by mode (e.g. vehicle, transit, and walk) and purpose (e.g. work, school, family/personal, and recreational) by residents of U.S. households. These data allow the Department to evaluate the adequacy of existing transportation facilities and estimate future needs. The NHTS is consolidated with other data to provide a bi-annual report to Congress.
The burden was reduced from the 2001 survey by editing the questionnaire to only the most critical data elements and eliminating the reporting of odometer readings twice over a two-month period. An adjustment for burden was also made due to two methods changes. In 2001, the NHTS collected trip information for children under the age of five. Based on an analysis of the number of trips taken by children under five without a household member, we have determined that we no longer need to collect data on children under the age of five. In addition, a separate module for the collection of long distance trip information has been removed from the 2008 NHTS.
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.