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11 4 RECOMMENDED CHANGES TO THE REPORT ORGANIZATION This section outlines recommended changes to the organization of the report. Changes recommended for data collection in Section 3 will have implications for the reportâs content. This section details other suggested changes. 4.1 EMPHASIZE REPORTâS PURPOSE AS A DATABASE The report is the only national resource available on statewide funding for public transportation. Although limited information is available on how the report is used, it is clear that the uses are wide ranging. The report organization should focus on its value as a database by making the following relevant changes: ⢠Emphasize charts and graphics in Chapter 1 and limit text describing data in the report. The inclusion of descriptors requires an unnecessary step of review for consistency and it is unlikely that users refer to the text. ⢠Prepare a sharable data file, in addition to the final report. 4.2 PROVIDE FIVE YEARS OF DATA FOR HISTORICAL TABLES Users of the report frequently refer to historical funding levels provided by states. The current report format includes the two most recent years of funding and then funding levels every five years back to 1990. The recommendation is to report the most recent five years of funding and to allow states to make corrections to previous year submissions. Year-to-year variations in funding are common and, in some cases, these variations may be the result of specific project expenditures in a given year rather than a general trend. A comparison of changes over a five-year period is more indicative of trends. Historical funding data beyond the previous five years can be included in data files available for distribution. 4.3 MAKE CHANGES TO TABLES AND GRAPHICS IN CHAPTER 1 The research team recommends changes to tables and graphics in Chapter 1 of the report. These changes, as outlined in Table 6 and Table 7, are intended to simplify the report and focus on data that is reliable and useful. In total, the research team recommends the elimination of one figure and three tables, modifications to one figure and four tables, and no changes to one figure and three tables. Recommended changes to charts and tables are as follows:
12 Table 6. Recommendations for Figures Figure Number in Chapter 1 Name of Figure Recommended Change Reason for Change 1-1 State and Federal Funding for Public Transit No changes recommended. 1-2 Eligible Uses for State Transit Funding Drop graphic. The graphic is difficult to comprehend and other recommended changes will emphasize eligibility at the program level. 1-3 Per Capita Funding by Population and Transit Operator Status No changes recommended.
13 Table 7. Recommendations for Tables Table Number in Chapter 1 Name of Table Recommended Change Reason for Change No Changes Recommended 1-4 Major Sources for Overall Transit Funding No changes in table format, but encourage states to report original source of revenue for Transportation Trust Funds provided. 1-9 Reported Total Investment for 50 states and DC No changes recommended. 1-10 Reported per Capita Investment for 50 States and DC No changes recommended. Modifications Recommended 1-1 States with Increased Funding for Public Transit Change to compare current year with funding as of four years prior (e.g., compare 2009 to 2005). Single year comparisons are less indicative of trends in state funding. 1-2 State Funding of Public Transit by Select Years Change to show last five years of funding. Current approach is confusing with mix of single year comparisons and five-year increments. 1-3 Federal and State Funding for Public Transit by Select Years Change to show last five years of funding. Similar reasoning to above. 1-8 Changes in State Transit Funding Levels Change to compare current year with funding as of four years prior (e.g., compare 2009 to 2005). Single year comparisons are less indicative of trends in states funding. Recommend Elimination 1-5 Eligible Uses for State Transit Funding Drop table. Relevant on a program basis. Data will be available at the state program level. The change will reduce the time required to prepare the report. 1-6 Types of Transit Funding Drop table. States have difficulty reporting information and it is not widely used. 1-7 Method of Distribution for State Transit Drop table. Relevant on a program by program basis. Data will be available at the state program level. The change will reduce the time required to prepare the report.
