Research and Innovative Technology Administration February 3, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics invites the general public, industry and other governmental parties to comment on the continuing need for and usefulness of BTS collecting a sample of airline passenger itineraries with the dollar value of the passenger ticket. Certificated air carriers that operated scheduled passenger service with at least one aircraft having a seating capacity of over 60 seats report these data. Comments are requested concerning whether: (a) The collection is still needed by the Department of Transportation; (b) BTS accurately estimated the reporting burden; (c) there are other ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collected; and (d) there are ways to minimize reporting burden, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Presently, the Department has a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (70 FR 8140, February 17, 2005) to restructure the Passenger Origin- Destination Survey Report. We are currently reviewing diverse comments on the NPRM which were due July 18, 2005 in preparation for a final rule. Until such time as we issue a final rule, the existing system for the collection of this data will remain in place to ensure compliance with statutory obligations. Therefore, we are seeking an extension of the rule in its present format. When the rulemaking becomes final the Department will seek Office of Management and Budget approval of the new reporting requirements.