The Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meeting on September 18, 2023, highlighted a significant advancement in transportation data collection with the introduction of the Massachusetts Vehicle Census. Liz Williams, the director of data and policy at MassDOT, along with Michael Moncio from the Office of Performance Management and Innovation, presented this innovative resource that aims to enhance understanding of vehicle usage across the state.

The Massachusetts Vehicle Census is touted as a first-of-its-kind dataset that compiles odometer readings collected during vehicle inspections. This data allows for detailed analysis of vehicle registration and usage patterns, including the number of registered vehicles in specific towns, the prevalence of electric vehicles, and how much these vehicles are driven. This resource is particularly valuable for local municipalities as it supports informed decision-making regarding transportation policies and infrastructure, especially in the context of increasing electric vehicle adoption.

Williams emphasized the importance of this data in addressing community needs, such as assessing the infrastructure required for electric vehicles and supporting the transition to electric school transportation. The census not only provides a snapshot of vehicle registrations but also tracks changes over time, offering insights into trends in vehicle usage and emissions.

The presentation included a demonstration of the vehicle census dashboard, which features key performance indicators such as total vehicles registered, the percentage of zero-emission or hybrid vehicles, and daily vehicle miles traveled (VMT). This data can be filtered by municipality, allowing local officials and residents to access specific information relevant to their communities.

In addition to the vehicle census, the meeting touched on the ongoing commitment to open data at MassDOT, making it easier for the public to access and utilize transportation data without needing to request specific breakdowns. This initiative aligns with broader goals of transparency and community engagement in transportation planning.

As the Cape Cod MPO continues to explore the implications of this new data resource, it represents a step forward in understanding and improving transportation systems in the region, ultimately benefiting residents and supporting sustainable practices. The next steps will involve gathering feedback on the data's utility and exploring further enhancements to the vehicle census.