Transport Data and Statistics
Transport data and statistics are crucial to underpin sound policy making. The ITF collects data across a broad range of transport policy topics. The ITF Statistics Team ensures data compliance with international recollection and processing standards. This work allows comparison and benchmarking of transport performance across ITF member countries.
ITF databases are the only source of international transport statistics that include all modes of transport. Our unique data offer a global and multi-modal perspective on transport trends.
Ensuring data quality and comparability is a vital aspect of ITF statistical work. Through regular meetings on transport statistics, ITF serves as a platform for transport ministries, national statistical offices, research institutes and international organisations to develop harmonised solutions to issues relevant to transport decision makers. All data are reviewed by ITF statisticians using OECD statistical processing software. The quality of the data is also assessed by comparisons with other international organisations.
The ITF uses questionnaires to collect data from transport ministries, national statistics offices and research institutes. On a yearly basis, we survey ITF member countries for data on their transport networks, equipment, freight and passenger transport, safety and spending on infrastructure. Additionally, our quarterly survey encompasses road traffic, new vehicles, and fuel use. This allows for timely identification of changes and turning points for selected indicators. The ITF also operates a unique collection of road safety data for 47 countries and 30 cities. The databases are supported by the IRTAD Group (International Traffic Safety Data and Analysis Group); a global network of road safety stakeholders.
The ITF has built key international co-operations with other intergovernmental bodies, countries and data providers to ensure its contribution to the global transport statistics community. The ITF, together with Eurostat and the UNECE, founded the Intersecretariat Working Group on Transport Statistics (IWG) to increase global coverage and improve data quality. Other key partners of the ITF are the OECD, the United Nations Statistics Division, the ICAO and the UIC.
ITF Statistics aims to become a global platform that facilitates communications, exchange of best practices, and collaborations between countries to solve common problems. As the ITF increases its global reach, it will play an increasingly central role in closing data gaps in the transport sector, focusing especially in digitalisation, decarbonisation, connectivity, accessibility and safety.