2011-12-12-TAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Minutes — December 12, 2011 Attendees: TAC Members present: Bill Levison, Peter Levy, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Francine Stieglitz TAC Members absent: Larry Link, Marty Cohen Staff: Sara Arnold, Pauline Burke, Jeanette Rebecchi, Charlotte Rodgers 1. TAC Membership: Bill Levison agreed to distribute a list of committee members. 2. Minutes: The November minutes were accepted. 3. Introduction: Charlotte Rodgers introduced Jeanette Rebecchi as the new Transportation Coordinator. Committee members introduced themselves. Charlotte expressed her appreciation for the work done by Sara Arnold and Pauline Burke covering the Lexpress office over the past six months. It was also mentioned that Bill deserved accolades for all his efforts relating to the Lexpress contract process. 4. Lexpress Update: Data show that ridership is down, particularly because senior citizen use has declined. There is concern about this decrease, and it was noted that marketing to this population is needed. Sara discussed "scholarship passes ", which are issued for those who meet an income threshold. These passes represent about $10,000. It was agreed that TAC would like a better understanding of how this works, and it was questioned whether the Lexpress budget should be absorbing this cost. Sara mentioned that there is currently no formal definition of a family pass that is being used in the office. It was voted that a family pass should be for two adults plus children 18 and under who live in the same household. This was a definition used in previous years. A recommendation for an indefinite extension of the point -to -point program was presented to the Selectmen with a request for approval at their December 12 meeting. 5. Contract Update: The Town received four bids: from Joseph's, M & L Transit, Bill's Taxi, and Transaction. They all included a large bus (minimum of 22 seats) bid scenario. Joseph's large bus option was the Arboc Mobility, a low floor bus with a fold out wheelchair ramp. M & L's large bus option was the StarTrans, with a lift comparable to the current lifts. The other two proponents bid Eldorados, with lifts comparable to the current lifts. The Review Committee's recommendation is being reviewed by staff. 6. Committee Representation: Marty Cohen has agreed to represent TAC on the School Transportation and Safety Committee.