2010-08-03-TAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Transportation Advisory Committee Date: August 3, 2010 Members Present: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Bill Levison, Peter Levy Members Absent: Larry Link, Danny Moraff, Francine Stieglitz Liaisons: Nancy Adler - COA Guest: Monica Tibbits, Executive Director, 128 Business Council (128 BC) Staff: Gail Wagner Minutes from TAC Meeting of June 21, 2010 approved. 128 BC Presentation by Monica Tibbits ➢ 128 BC's mission is to reduce traffic congestion along Route 128. Specific efforts: promote SOV reduction (goal 15% to 20% SOV reduction), promote public transit, maintain commuter bus shuttles to and from Alewife MBTA station, maintain car pool data base, provide guaranteed ride home (taxi or car rental: infrequent occurrence — used about 12 times yearly), bike buddy (match bike riders seeking commuting partner). ➢ 128 BC comprised of 40 member companies ranging from small to large. Bus shuttles provided 300,000 rides last year placing it 2 nd or 3 rd behind MBTA in regional commuter volume. ➢ Businesses involved in the Alewife bus shuttle number 15 to 17. ➢ Bus routes run 4 hours in both AM and PM. Due to traffic volume, AM shuttle routinely experiences delays of 10 to 15 minutes. PM routes more predictable. ➢ Shuttle Bus Routes: Alewife Route A (south Lexington and north Waltham), Alewife Route B (Waltham), Windsor Village, Bentley College, South Side Shuttle (includes Riverside MBTA, Brandeis). Shuttle serviced by 4 buses, but expansion to 5 or 6likely. ➢ Bus contractors: M &Land Locomotion. ➢ Shuttle bus is most effective in reducing traffic with car pools ranked second. ➢ Van pools are not prevalent. Total van pool count is 6 or 7. ➢ Reverse commute from Lexington for residents to Alewife is possible. Shuttles open to the public for $5 fare per ride. Ideal stop would be south Spring St, last stop prior to Alewife return. Note: Public parking on private property not supported by businesses in South Lexington to date. ➢ New directions by Ms. Tibbits: improved website, GPS tracking, traffic cam, LEED certification guidance (TMA participation counts for LEED points). ➢ MBTA has been contacted to expand service along Hartwell Avenue. ➢ Staff composition: executive director, operations director (manages shuttles), TMA program manager. ➢ Consultants are used for marketing and pricing. Pricing is most important to a successful TMA and is guarded as a trade secret. ➢ 128 BC has a Board of Directors composed of 10 members primarily developers and real estate professionals. No new member in past 7 or 8 years. Looking to expand membership with inclusion of community representation, CDCs (Community Development Councils ?) and environmental justice advocates. ➢ Current 3 tier membership fees: developers (based on square footage); employers (total number of employees); associate (amalgam of developers and employer scales). A simplified membership funding system is being developed. ➢ If the value of town membership in 128 BC cannot be justified, periodic community forums are being considered as a method to increase community involvement. ➢ 128 BC bylaws are being updated.