2015-09-21-TAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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\\Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Minutes September 21, 2015 Members Present : Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Bill Levison, Hank Manz, Francine Stieglitz Members Absent : Peter Levy Staff Present : Jeanette Rebecchi, Transportation Services Manager; Charlotte Rodgers, Human Services Director Liaisons Present : Richard McDonough, COA; Richard Canale, Planning Board; Nancy Adler, COA Public : Elaine Ashton 1. Minutes Minutes of the June 8, 2015 TAC meeting were corrected and approved unanimously. 2. Transportation Services Update Ms. Rebecchi reviewed ridership and income data for the Lex-Connect taxi service. Although there were fewer new sign-ups and fewer vouchers sold in FY15 compared to FY14, the number of vouchers redeemed increased. Sales income also increased due to the increase in prices. Gifts and grants from the Dana foundation, Brookhaven, the Friends of the COA, and Human Services Gift Fund resulted in a surplus at the end of FY15. Ms. Rebecchi reviewed the FY15 Lexpress ridership and financial statistics. Key findings were: Total ridership was 81,050, approximately 6% less than FY14. Ridership per vehicle hour was down by about 5% Quarter-by-quarter comparison suggests that the winter storms were the primary source of the ridership decline, which occurred largely among student riders. The decline in ridership occurred primarily among pass holders. Fare revenues decreased by around 11% from FY14, but this decrease was largely offset by an increase in the MBTA grant. The $3.73 net cost per bus ride was about 1% less than in FY14. Ms. Rebecchi has requested support for installing automatic passenger counters in the Lexpress buses. Ms. Arnold suggested that TAC members spend a day gathering ridership data. Ms. Rebecchi noted that the CTPS performs spot checks on ridership on behalf of the MBTA, and suggested that TAC first look at that data before deciding to perform its own check. Action item: Ms. Rebecchi will request relevant data on Lexpress ridership from the MBTA. 3. Bus Stop Shelters Ms. Rebecchi presented a list of potential locations for bus stop shelters, highlighting five locations considered to be the most feasible. The list was modified during discussion to include sites located in the historic district. It was suggested that providing shelters be associated with the Complete Streets program. Mr. Canale announced that the Town has created the new staff position of Assistant Town Manager for Development to be filled by Carol Kowalski beginning in October 2015. The duties of this office may include oversight of the Center Streetscape Project. Њ