Consistent data is the backbone of credible transport analysis, yet the field has long grappled with fragmented terminology. Without shared definitions, comparing datasets across countries or regions often results in the familiar problem of limiting the reliability of global assessments and the decisions they inform.

To address this, standardisation plays a quiet but essential role. It ensures that when transport authorities, researchers and international organisations talk about the same indicator, they actually mean the same thing.

IRF’s Contribution to a More Coherent Global Data Landscape

The International Road Federation (IRF) was invited by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Eurostat and the International Transport Forum (ITF) at the OECD to contribute expert input to the latest revision of the Glossary for Transport Statistics. This collaboration underscores IRF’s ongoing commitment to improving the foundations of global transport data.

Representing IRF, Research and Data Analyst Aristomenis Kopsacheilis led the technical contribution. His work focused on ensuring that the definitions underpinning IRF’s World Road Statistics (WRS) align with the most current and globally accepted standards.

Why This Matters

By integrating these refined definitions into the WRS, IRF supports a more harmonised global reporting environment. This reduces inconsistencies across countries and helps data users draw clearer, more actionable insights from comparable statistics.

The goal is to move the sector closer to a shared statistical language that strengthens global understanding and reduces the noise around transport performance, safety and infrastructure trends.

About the Updated Glossary

First published in 1994, the Glossary for Transport Statistics has become a central reference for harmonising terminology across the transport sector. Now in its sixth edition, the glossary reflects contributions from UNECE, Eurostat, the ITF and experts from sectoral bodies, agencies, and member countries.

Key updates include:

• 884 harmonised definitions, fully updated across ten chapters
• Alignment with the streamlined Eurostat/ITF/UNECE Common Questionnaire on Inland Transport Statistics, set for implementation in 2026
• Adjustments to reflect evolving global transport systems, new technologies, and feedback from data producers and users worldwide

These improvements strengthen its role as a practical resource for all professionals working with transport statistics.

A Lasting Impact

The adoption of clearer, more coherent statistical definitions ultimately benefits governments, industry stakeholders, and the wider research community. It supports better benchmarking, improves international comparability, and lays the groundwork for evidence-based policy and investment decisions that rely on solid, consistent data.