2011-04-11-TAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Transportation Advisory Committee Date: April 11, 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 Guests: Charlotte Rodgers, Human Services Director, Elaine Celi, School Bus Coordinator, Nelie Gordon, Human Services Intern Staff: Gail Wagner School Dept. proposal to incorporate Lexpress tickets with High School bus pass ➢ Elaine Celi gave background on the school bus contract and limited high school participation, 350 passes this year. Results of the school travel survey indicate desire for flexible afternoon travel. Options are being looked at to increase travel options that could result in reduction of one school bus. Elaine emphasized that there is no intent to compete or impair Lexpress service. The proposal is to explore collaboration that maybe mutually beneficial, such as providing school bus pass holders with some Lexpress tickets that would provide students with transportation after the 2:30 school bus departure. ➢ Sara expressed TAC's strong support for interdepartmental cooperation, but is concerned with Lexpress capacity, loss of revenue if tickets are sold at a discount (Lexpress is on a tight budget), and logistical issues related to the use of the tickets issued with school bus passes. ➢ Gail assessed Lexpress could best incorporate after school LHS pass holders from 4 pm to 6 pm. ➢ Methods to ensure boarding only during the last two hours of Lexpress service were discussed from many aspects, including the burden on the Lexpress drivers to enforce. Presentation of a high school bus pass by the rider and a distinct LHS /Lexpress ticket was the most likely method. ➢ Limited access and a less popular time of day would justify a reduced cost of LHS /Lexpress ticket books. No cost specifics were presented. The School Dept. would like to buy tickets at a discount. ➢ TAC members unanimously supported the concept of continuing to explore with the school department a program that would incorporate Lexpress tickets into the purchase of a school bus pass. Sara will discuss this idea with Hank Manz as a next step in order to keep the Selectmen informed. Elaine Celi. will discuss this further within the school department to determine whether there is enough interest. ➢ With school transportation packages sent out in May, there is a time concern for this year. ➢ Predicted success of this high school pass /Lexpress ticket option is uncertain. Gail related an unsuccessful two -month pilot routing a Lexpress bus directly to LHS at 5 pm and 5:30 pm in January and February 2009. Also, Lexpress ridership dropped last month when after school Spring sports began. Review of driver sheets show decreased student riders in the favored 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm time frame with no increase in the 4 pm to 6 pm range. Human Services proposal to provide direct Lexpress service to and from Housing Villages and Senior Center ➢ Gail reported that the Human Services' Office requested one designated Lexpress bus serving all three Housing Villages for arrival between 9:3 Oam and l Dam with departure between 1 pm and 1:3 Opm. Gail felt that this could not be met due to scheduling constraints, but that a different timetable, as descried below would accommodate their needs.