2011-03-22-TAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Transportation Advisory Committee Date: March 22, 2011 Members Present: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Peter Levy, Francine Stieglitz Members Absent: Larry Link, Bill Levison Liaisons: Nancy Adler, Council of Aging and Hank Manz, Selectmen Staff: Gail Wagner TAC meeting minutes for February 14, 2011 were voted on and approved. Lexpress Updates ➢ February riders: There were 159 fewer than last year. Snow storms impacted riders. ➢ Suggestions to increase ridership were raised: Earth Day 250 ride if wearing green; targeting a population group; articles highlighting senior riders; Lexington store /service sales receipt $10 or more gets free ride on Lexpress. ➢ Hank commented that Lexpress drivers are most helpful to known senior riders; example helping with grocery bags. ➢ Ridership is charted by drivers. It is wise to periodically check the human error factor to ensure we are getting a reasonable representation of ridership and ridership trends. This has been done in the past. ➢ Hank noted that drivers do not always use their counters in tracking riders, but if there are only a few riders, a driver may not need the counter. ➢ Patriots Day Parade is April 18. TAC members were asked to participate. ➢ Due to Lahey Lexington construction, Route 4 is not entering the parking lot upon directives of Larry Smith, property manager. ➢ With the new parking grid at Market Basket, Route 5 buses are entering from North Street and exiting along H Mart to return to Middlesex Turnpike at Wheeler Road. ➢ Changes to the Lexpress schedule effective July 1 will be assessed. Nancy revisited the issue of direct service to the Senior Center from the Housing Villages. Lexpress RFP ➢ RFP should be ready for issuing in mid- September to secure costs for FYI budget. ➢ RFP is based on Mass State Law as confirmed by town's procurement officer. ➢ Vehicles and government fuel regulations are critical topics in preparing the RFP. ➢ Based on inquiries and intermodal transit emphasis, Gail suggested bike racks be added to RFP. GPS systems that have the capacity for real time boarding updates should be explored. ➢ RFP should specify added buses at cost rather than assumed 4 -hour minimum and that RFP is dependent on MBTA annual funding. MBTA Meeting Arranged by Lexington State Representative ➢ A new meeting date has not been proposed. ➢ TAC would attend to listen and support Hartwell Ave MBTA service. Hartwell Avenue Commercial Development ➢ Developer accepted all TDM points including bus stop. Zoning variance is not sought. League of Women Voters Forum "Complete Streets" on 4/1/11 ➢ Emphasis on accommodating pedestrians, bikers, as well as vehicles and enhanced public transit. ➢ Sara will represent TAC on a panel that includes John Livsey, town's senior engineer, and Planning Board members, Richard Canale and Michelle Ciccolo.