EJ Links - Data Tools and Resources

These data tools and resources can improve the ability of transportation agencies to identify and address the effects of their programs, policies and activities on low-income and minority populations. This list includes select web sites offered for your convenience in accessing related information. Linking to a web site does not constitute an endorsement by U.S. DOT, or any of its employees, of the sponsors of the site or the products presented on the site.

U.S. Bureau of the Census. In conjunction with the 2000 U.S. Census, many agencies are conducting or planning to conduct travel surveys. Agencies could follow-up with more detailed surveys to gain input from low and minority communities.

Aerial Maps. This site provides downloadable aerial maps. There are many other sites providing commercial aerial maps.

Geographic Information System (GIS). Data Contained in a GIS System can provide information about the location and proximity of populations to transportation facilities and services. This site maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) provides GIS users with a quick and easy source of information on a variety of issues.

Job Access Grants are intended to provide new transit service to assist welfare recipients in getting to jobs and training. Reverse Commute grants are designed to develop transit services to transport workers to suburban job sites. This fact sheet link provides a brief overview of the program.

National Transit Data Base. The National Transit Database (NTD) is the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) national database of statistics for the transit industry. The NTD reporting system has evolved from cooperative government and industry efforts that began in the late 1970s. NTD data are used for management and planning by transit systems, and for policy analysis and investment decision-making at all levels of government. The database is a resource for transit agencies, consultants, researchers, and industry suppliers.

National Transit Library. This resource maintained by the FTA is a good starting point for acquiring other important transit data to explore issues around service levels, fares, safety and security.

Poverty Guidelines Data. This U.S. Department of Health and Human Services includes information, contacts and references about poverty including Poverty Guidelines, the Poverty Thresholds, and the Development and the History of U.S. Poverty Lines.

Poverty - Measures of Persons in Poverty. The U.S. Bureau of the Census maintains several relevant data programs, reports and measures about persons in poverty.

State and Local Economic Development Offices. This resource link will take you to economic development data sources, tools for economic development and State-by-State Listings of Economic Development Agencies.

School Data from State and Local Governments on the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program. Children at a participating school may purchase a meal through the National School Lunch Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals, for which students can be charged no more than 40 cents. Aggregate data can be compiled by school about participation in this program and by mapping this data, an informative post-census proxy measure of poverty and low-income communities can be compiled.

Travel Surveys. The U.S. Census Bureau measures the journey-to-work including travel times, distances traveled and means of transportation. The link provides basic available information reported by the Census Bureau.

Travel Models. The Travel Model Improvement Program (TMIP) is a multi-year, multi-agency program to develop new travel demand modeling procedures which accurately and reliably forecast travel for a broad range of modes, policy actions and operational conditions. This web site has been established with the assistance of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and the Department of Transportation to assure that practitioners have access to the best transportation planning methods available.

Tribal Governments. This link provides many resources on Native American tribal governments.

U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is an operating administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). BTS compiles, analyzes, and makes accessible information on the Nation's transportation systems; collects information on intermodal transportation and other areas as needed; and works to enhance the quality and effectiveness of government statistics.

U.S. Census Tiger/Line Files. TIGER is an acronym for "Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing system". These are the maps prepared for the U.S. Census Bureau which contain all the essential census geography including street addresses, governmental unit boundaries, and sub-municipal boundary data such as Census Tracts, Block Groups and Blocks. These maps enable transportation analysts and decisionmakers to closely examine the spatial patterns of socioeconomic characteristics such as income and race.

U.S. Economic Census. The Economic Census profiles the US economy every 5 years, from the national to the local level. This site provides reports that are now available for all geographic areas and all sectors.

Workforce Investment Boards Data from Workforce Investment Boards will be useful in designing programs that are more effective collaborative efforts between private sector and public sector groups. This gateway link provides answers to current and emerging questions about the implementation of the Workforce Investment Act. The link provides access to workforce information and resources and how best to apply that information toward innovative and effective partnerships and programs.