MoDOT's "Tracker" Spells Out
Improvements, Challenges
On Missouri's
Transportation System
JEFFERSON CITY - A newly updated document is using the latest
data and evaluations to analyze Missouri's transportation system,
and the state agency that takes care of it. Called the Tracker,
the publication contains 112 performance measures that help determine
whether Missourians are getting a good return on their transportation
investment, and where improvements are needed.
"The Tracker is the public's window into MoDOT and the transportation
system we're responsible for," said department director Pete Rahn.
"It spells out what's working, as well as where we've got to
improve. The taxpayers deserve to see the progress we're making
with their money, and the Tracker lays it out for them - warts
and all."
Published quarterly by MoDOT, the Tracker identifies objective
measures for success in areas such as traffic flow, smooth roads,
safety, timely project completion and best value for every dollar
spent. It then shows the latest data that tracks progress toward
achieving these measures.
The Tracker was recently recognized by the Missouri State Government
Review Commission. In its final report, the commission said
state government should "encourage objective, performance-based,
results-driven service delivery systems in state government, similar
to the Missouri Department of Transportation's 'Tracker' system."
Among the Tracker's latest
findings:
- In the most recent quarter, 80 percent of MoDOT construction
projects were completed on time, and 52 percent cost less than
the budgeted amount
- MoDOT's average construction project cost $15,463 per day
in 2005
- Fatalities on Missouri highways increased 10 percent last
year - from 1,130 in 2004 to 1,234 in 2005
- 43 percent of fuel used in MoDOT vehicles in the past six
months was alternative fuels (ethanol or biodiesel)
- In 2004, Motor Carriers hauled 824 million tons of cargo on
Missouri highways MoDOT cleared 970 acres for construction projects
in 2004, and planted 22,300 trees
- Transit providers made 59 million passenger trips in 2005
- 47 percent of the state's major highways were in good condition
at the end of 2004, with 62 percent of smaller highways in good
condition
- MoDOT handled nearly 200,000 customer calls and other contacts
in the most recent quarter; 90 percent of their requests were
completed in 24 hours
For a complete version
of the Tracker visit MoDOT's Tracker Web site. To request a printed copy call MoDOT customer service at
888-ASK-MODOT.
Editor's note:
Recorded comments on this topic are available on MoDOT's
sound bite service at MoDOT's Newsroom
