INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT FORUM WORKSHOP ON MEASURING INVESTMENT IN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE UNECE WP6 WORKING PARTY ON TRANSPORT STATISTICS May 2012 Mario BARRETO

Objective Better understand the transport infrastructure investment and maintenance data Bring together data providers and data users Develop harmonized definitions and methods and improve data quality 2

Background Key determinant for transport performance However huge lack of standardised definitions and methods Measurement of assets is almost inexistent Growing mix of pub.& priv. investors 3

Background (Continued) Measurement of maintenance costs differs widely across modes and countries Distorts data comparison and analytical results May lead to inaccuracy in decision making 4

Expected outcomes Contribute to developing a more consistent international framework Better understand the impact of transport investment in the economy Better assess the efficiency of the transport system. Inputs to the 2013 ITF Summit 5

The workshop Chaired by Ms Patricia HU, Director of BTS, U.S. Dept. of Transportation Total of 45 participants representing international organisations, banks, country representatives,transport sectors actors, industry, research institutes … 6

The workshop (continued) We tried to understand the different methods to measure investment (National Accounts, Trans European Networks, country specific methods) Identify data weaknesses. See how to improve private sector, availability and comparability 7

The workshop (continued) There are needs to improve data for enhanced analysis, needs to evaluate assets and include rolling stock in the data. The starting point would be to harmonise international definitions and methods. 8

The workshop (continued) All documents and presentations are available on our Website: um.org/Proceedings/InfrastructureIn v/index.html um.org/Proceedings/InfrastructureIn v/index.html 9

Main problems Lack of agreed definitions (Investment, upgrading, maintenance) Lack of commonly needed information (prices indices and PPP data as deflators for constant values) 10

Main problems (continued) Major gaps in data for many countries with no specific reason. Lack of social impact data to match the data we have (emission, safety …) Lack of performance data (focus on inputs and not on the outputs) and indirect effects (social impact: efficient transport but more emissions) 11

Main problems (continued) We need to know what we get for our investment and operating costs? How can we choose among investment? 12

Recommendation Creation of a Task Force Implement an international framework for trans. invest. stat. Produce a “Best Practice“ manual Better assess the impact of transport investment in the economy 13

Recommendation (continued) To increase the meaningfulness of data analysis and create a better tool for decision making. 14

Way forward The TF should keep a practical approach, have focused objectives and move step by step Take stock of existing data sources Identify the missing critical inform. Select the absolute minimum and set priorities (focused objectives ) 15

Way forward (continued) Define each priority and make a proposal of definition (not perfect but good enough). Provide a methodology based on countries best practices, including guidance and recommendations. 16

Timeline The challenge is to produce the Manual for the ITF 2013 Summit The first meeting is June 18 th, then September and again December. 17

Thank you