Wondering how many hours Angelinos lost to congestion in 2015, or whether planes, trains or automobiles shipped more freight in the United States? (Answers below.) The answers to those questions and many more transportation statistics recently became available in the Bureau of Transportation Statistics 2016 Pocket Guide to Transportation.

While not something found on any best seller lists, the yearly Pocket Guide provides an informative snapshot of significant transportation statistics, including data on the movement of people and goods, and the use and performance of the transportation system. As municipalities make infrastructure decisions for this year and beyond — including strategies for applying for state and federal funding — numbers are a good tool to support funding applications or community outreach efforts seeking project support.

A review of the Pocket Guide shows that congestion in both passenger and freight movement continues to be an issue. While passage of the FAST Act is a good start, we look forward to continuing to track and explore creative solutions for funding important transportation projects and seeing the integration of smart technologies to increase the efficiency of movement for both commercial and non-commercial needs.

Answers: Los Angeles drivers lost 80 hours per car commuter in 2015, ranking it as the second most delayed urban area in the U.S. The most delayed is Washington, D.C. at 82 hours per car commuter. By weight, trucks shipped the largest quantity of goods at 14,547 million tons in 2013. Shipments of goods by rail, water and air were 2590 million tons, combined, in 2013.