HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-08-TAC-minMinutes
Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)
August8, 2023
Place: The meeting was held remotely pursuant to Chapter 22 of the Acts of 2022 which
includes an extension until March 31, 2023 of Governor Baker's July 14, 2022 executive order.
The Zoom teleconferencing session was open to the public.
Scheduled time: 7:00pm
Members Present: Vinita Verma, co-chair, Pamela Lyons, co-chair, Sally Castleman, Elaine
Dratch, Jonathan Schwarz
Liaisons and Town Staff: Susan Barrett, Town Transportation Manager, Melanie Thompson,
Planning Board, Sudhir Jain, Council on Aging, Nishanth Veeragandham, Lexington High
School, Jill Hai, Select Board
Pamela Lyons reviewed the authorization for meeting remotely and noted that the meeting was
being called to order at 7:05 pm on August 8, 2023. Vinita Verma confirmed attendance by roll
call.
Minutes
Previous minutes were not available to be reviewed.
Transportation Manager Updates
Susan Barrett provided updates. Over 250 limitless Lexpress passes sold so far, over double
last year. Ridership has also increased, with a 21% change in daily riders over June, when
there’s usually a July dip. Ms. Barrett discussed several possible grants from the MBTA, will
hear back in the fall, and CTGP (5311 funds), will also hear in fall. In discussion with Lahey
Hospital for funding, as transportation is key factor in public health. Upcoming Route C change
is expected. Planning on extend route to west side of Mass Ave, currently doing deviations by
demand. May be some challenges due to congestion near Hastings Elementary at certain
times of day.
Upcoming MBTA Advisory Board meeting 9/11 for Rapid Transit Committee and on 9/12 there
is a Commuter Rail Committee and Climate and Clean Energy Committee Joint Meeting.
Bike Rodeo rescheduled for 9/16, Bike Smart Youth scheduled 9/23. Trying to get on School
Committee agenda to discuss SRTS, incorporating pedestrian & bike safety into schools and
teacher training, reducing congestion at schools, LHS drop-off and pickup safety, and BFC
award and recommendations.
New column in the Lexington Times, Transportation Matters, in the August issue. FISH is
seeking drivers. Lexpress Marketing - looking for more effort there. Pamela Lyons, Nishanth
Veeragandham, and Sally Castleman volunteered to help.
Bicycle Friendly Community Award Update - won Bronze award again. Next application will be
2027. Recommendations of expanding and improving bike lanes and bikeway network.
Improve SRTS program. Success with Hastings bike train program. Suggestion to expand bike
share, translate safety materials into other languages, hire a bike and ped coordinator for the
town.
Bike & Pedestrian Plan should be finalized this year.
Adhoc Transportation Committee
Update from Sally Castleman - 19 people spoke at the public meeting. Couldn’t see who else
was there. Very positive feedback from the group. Beginning to write up the report. Not sure
where it will go.
Liaison Reports
Report from Melanie Thompson on Planning Board: the meeting is tomorrow, public meeting.
Still about the regulations for special permits, etc, regarding MBTA communities.
Discussion ensues on parking requirements and dense housing.
Sudhir Jain, Council on Aging: Senior free parking has been made permanent.
Nishanth Veeragandham, LHS: Ms. Barrett introduced Mr. Veeragandham and Lispeth Tibbits-
Nutt (Director of Development for 128 Business Council) to discuss youth engagement.
Next Meeting
Sept 12, 7PM
Adjournment
8:36 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Jonathan Schwarz
Materials used at the Meeting:
Agenda
Transportation Manager Update 8/8/23