Making the Business Case for Translating Non - English Transportation Information

This digest summarizes the results of NCHRP Project 20-48(01) and is based on a study conducted by Dr. John B. Metcalf. The objectives of the study were to assess, describe, and quantify, to the greatest extent possible, the need for the U.S. transportation community to improve access to non-English published information. Dr. Metcalf identified case studies where significant new technologies were published in languages other than English and assessed the potential benefits that could have been realized if English language translations had been available. The benefits were assessed in terms of savings in money, time, or lives; reduced duplication of effort; or improvements in safety, efficiency, economy, equity, mobility, security, or the environment.