Bill > S1968

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to create a pilot program to better measure the results of transportation investments, aiming to improve accountability. This program will involve case studies of states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), which are designated bodies responsible for transportation planning in urban areas. These case studies will focus on collecting more detailed data and using rigorous methods to assess how effectively participants are meeting national transportation goals, such as improving connectivity, access to jobs and services, economic growth, energy security, environmental protection, and safety. Participating states and MPOs will work with the Secretary to evaluate and improve their current methods for measuring effectiveness, and the Secretary is authorized to provide financial assistance to support these efforts. Within 21 months of the bill's enactment, the Secretary must analyze the findings from these case studies and develop a plan for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to use outcome-oriented performance measures to evaluate all transportation programs. The bill also requires a comprehensive report to Congress detailing the pilot program's results, the DOT's new plan, and any recommendations for legislative improvements.