Washington, D.C. — New data from companies like Uber and Google can help transportation planners reduce congestion and related pollution, but they must be wary of the data’s potential biases, according to a new issue brief from the Center for American Progress.
Real-time transportation data from billions of trip records shows which roads are most congested, where and when accidents occur, occupancy rates, and more. But the data poses serious risks if not managed properly, the issue brief says.
The vehicle-based nature of this information could encourage driving as the primary mode of transportation in the United States. Demographic biases also could skew models in a way that disadvantages vulnerable U.S. communities.
As the transportation community begins to use this new information to help drive climate and health-smart transportation policies, officials must be aware of these potential pitfalls.
Read the issue brief: “Opportunities and Potential Bias in New Transportation Data,” by Lia Cattaneo.
For more information or to talk to an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected], or 202-478-6327.