2008-11-05-TAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes November 5, 2008 Present: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Bill Levison, Francine Stieglitz Staff: Gail Wagner Liaisons: Richard Canale (Planning Board), Hank Manz (Selectmen) Public Comment Period ➢ Bill Murphy of Robinson Road, Lexington, arrived at the TAC meeting in search of another civic event, but stayed for introductions and a brief explanation of TAC. Mr. Murphy commented that TAC was interesting to him professionally, as he manages transportation for the Arlington COA. Mr. Murphy said he would consider joining TAC. Lexpress Updates ➢ The site supervisor abruptly left when offered a job with the MBTA. In his absence, Gail has found the need to reinforce driver procedures with all drivers. ➢ Joseph Albano did not respond to Gail's letter requesting a meeting to discuss Lexpress contract issues. However, there has been an improvement in mechanical problems. ➢ After seven weeks of incorporating Aloft /Element Hotels into the Route 4 schedule at Sam, noon and 5pm, only one hotel guest rode the bus. Gail will alert the hotel that scheduled stops will be curtailed as of November 10. The hotel can contact the Lexpress office if guests would like to be picked up at the hotel and guests on the bus can request a hotel stop. ➢ As of November 10, Route 4 detour ends and Lexpress will again run on School Street. ➢ October ridership was strong with the largest gains compared to last year in senior riders. Lexpress FYI 0 Budget ➢ Due to increases in TDM and fare revenue, Lexpress tax levy will be reduced from FY09 by $9,009. Bill reviewed Gail's preliminary budget and developed a budget format shared at the meeting. ➢ Sara requested a budget overview for the past five years be redistributed. Beal TDM Proposal ➢ There are questions as to procedures under the newly implemented TDM negotiation process coordinated by the Traffic Mitigation Group (TMG). ➢ Beal TDM proposal has been submitted to the Planning Board and TAC was not asked for comments. ➢ Hank encouraged TAC to respond to the proposal so that input may guide future negotiations. ➢ Points to be shared with TMG: standardized wording as to length of Lexpress commitment based on prior TDM agreements; support for incentives to reduce SOV commuting; specific list of duties addressed by site transportation coordinator to aggressively promote SOV alternatives. ➢ If the Beal proposal goes before the Special Town Meeting on November 17, TAC will prepare a statement to be read. TAC will tentatively meet on the evening of November 17 to review this statement. Google Transit Link ➢ There are a few schedule issues to be corrected, but Richard has found the tool useful. He accessed Lexpress information at the meeting from a hand held device.