2016-11-14-TAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes November 14, 2016 Meeting was called to order at 7:09 PM Members Present: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Susan Barrett, Elaine Dratch, Hank Manz, Co -Chair Members absent: Bill Levison, Co -chair Staff: Jeanette Rebecchi, Transportation Manager Minutes of October 17, 2016 meeting were moved to accept (with minor typo corrections) by Sara Arnold, seconded by Susan Barrett, Unanimously accepted. Public Comment- N one Joe Pitta, from Minuteman Tech, has requested bus service into the MM grounds at the 9:00 AM and 2:15 PM times. This would allow students to commute into town for work -study placements. There already is an MBTA bus #76 going past MMTech. The stops are not amenable to walking, and there is a question as to whether the sidewalks are plowed. Ms. Rebecchi will test out demand before a trial run. The RFP for the new Lexpress contract was due today. There were two bidders - M&L (the current operator) and Trans - Action Associates (who run the 128 buses and the Bedford BLT). Staff members including Ms. Rebecchi and TAC member Hank Manz will be meeting on Nov. 16 to review the bids. The initial recommendation will be based on qualifications and responses without price proposals. Basic responses, and familiarity with the RFP requirements will be rated. Also, reference checks, after the final readings and qualitative decision. Discussion of the TDM contribution. The Town Manager has recommended that the REV Commuter bus tap into the TDM reserved stabilization fund for $50,000 this year. There was discussion about why this bus system, which initially had requested a small "start -up" amount, was still asking for more funds. There were questions as to whether companies are contributing, what effects the lease prices have on business contributions, and whether any other committees have an interest in the REV bus. The 128 Business Council wants a three -year commitment for this funding. Mr. Manz will talk to Melissa Tintocalis, Town Economic Development Director for more info. Financial Analysis- Co -chair Bill Levison has previously suggested a new way of calculating the annual TDM drawdown for Lexpress based on a percentage of the contract price. TAC will wait until he is present in the spring to discuss this more fully. A lot will depend on what the new contract will cost. Ridership - There was much discussion about ways to attract more student ridership. Susan Barrett has taken the lead in this. It was agreed that it would be