2015-11-09-TAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Meeting Minutes Transportation Advisory Committee November 9, 2015 The meeting was called to order at 3:45 PM. Members present: Bill Levison, TAC Co-Chair, Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Hank Manz, Elaine Dratch, Francine Stieglitz Liaisons: Nancy Adler, Council On Aging Staff: Jeanette Rebecchi, Transportation Manager, Charlotte Rodgers, Human Services Director Guests: Craig Weeks After minor corrections to the minutes of the last meeting, a motion was made, seconded and approved unanimously to accept the minutes. A motion was made to appoint Hank Manz as co-chair to fill the position left vacant by the resignation of Peter Levy who has moved out of town. The motion was seconded and approved with the exception of Mr. Manz who abstained. As mentioned in the last meeting Mr. Levison and Mr. Manz met with Town Manager Carl Valente as a followup to their meeting with Finance Director Rob Addelson concerning Transportation Demand Management (TDM) funding and disbursement. The general feeling is that TAC can support the proposed level of TDM disbursement for the next fiscal year without attempting to make recommendations as to how that money should be allocated. On a motion duly made and seconded there was a unanimous vote to recommend that $91,000 be disbursed from the TDM/PT stabilization fund in FY17. Version 4 of a Board of Selectmen letter to the MBTA urging increased service to Lexington was discussed. It was generally agreed that TAC can support the sending of the letter with one minor change. On a motion duly made and seconded, the vote was three in favor, one not in favor, and one abstention of asking the Selectmen to send the letter. On Friday, November 6, 2015 members of TAC rode all 1 & 2 bus runs to make independent counts of the number of riders. The drivers received compliments and it was noted that at least one bus driver strictly enforced the rules about fare payments. It was noted that some runs did not end on time because of traffic problems. There was mention that the 5:30 PM run was not made due to traffic. There was a follow-on discussion of whether there needs to be a restructuring of routes which is mindful that traffic patterns vary during the service day. The data collected will be compiled and discussed at a future meeting. Ms. Rebecchi gave an update on transportation including a short summary of fare loss as it pertains to the Lexpress contract and remedies should it prove to be a problem. Transfers are needed so that passengers who use two buses to complete a trip do not have to pay full fare twice. There is a charge of 25 cents for a transfer which brings in approximately $275 each year. But the combination of having to account for the money and prepare the packs of