2008-05-07-TAC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes for Transportation Advisory Committee May 7, 2008 Present: TAC members: Sara Arnold, Elaine Dratch, Sally Castleman, Bill Levison, Hank Manz Danny Moraff, Francine Stieglitz, Gail Wagner, Richard Canale. Lexpress Advanced Start Times ➢ After lengthy discussion, it was decided that all Lexpress buses will start at the same time to maintain a consistent schedule. ➢ During the school year, the start time will be 6:35 am. This schedule should permit all six (6) routes to get students to LHS prior to 7:45 am late bell. It should also address the scheduling problems experienced last September due to increased readership. ➢ After the routes going to LHS, there will be a down period of approximately 15 minutes. It was decided that it is best to maintain the established scheduling practice of even numbered bus routes leaving at top of each hour and odd numbered buses leaving at the half hour. This down period will be tracked next year to see if a schedule adjustment is indicated for FYI 0. ➢ Schedule changes must go before the Selectmen for approval. Next Selectmen's meeting is May 27. Proposed Lexpress schedule changes will be announced prior to the school bus deadline so that parents can make an informed decision. General and Family Pass Fare Increases ➢ Due to escalating fuel costs paid by the Town based on a formula in the contract with Joseph Transportation, it was decided that yearly General Passes be increased by $50 ($350 from $300) and a yearly Family Pass increased of $100 ($725 from $625). ➢ General Pass increments are correspondingly increased; One month ($60 from $50), Three Months($140 from $120), and Six Months ($ 225 from $190). ➢ There will be no changes to the cost of either the Senior or Special Needs passes. ➢ Schedule changes must also go before the Selectmen. Proposed changes will be issued in advance so that parents will not miss school bus sign up. Planning Board Updates ➢ Richard Canale, Planning Board's TAC liaison, reported that the Planning Board welcomes TAC input as it works to update the Town's Transportation Demand Management (TDM) policy. Developers have voiced their desire that revised TDM bylaws be based on objective measures, such as a floor ratio formula. ➢ Revised TDM policy should be presented at Town Meeting 2009. Goole Transit Website ➢ Danny had final transit tips for the Google website. He is ready to post on Google. ➢ Publicity will be sought to introduce this electronic transit information system and to acknowledge Danny's extraordinary efforts over the past year. MBTA Suburban Transportation Funding Proposal ➢ Gail continues to work on the proposal text. Letters of support have been received from the LWV, COA, and Commission on Disability. Pending are letters from LHS /PSTA, Lexington Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Selectmen. Proposal due May 16. Farmers' Market ➢ Lexpress will provide a free shuttle from Depot Square to and from the Farmer's Market on Tuesday afternoons when the Farmer's Market is open. ➢ On May 1, town groups supporting green efforts met to generate ideas that could be promoted at the Farmers Market. Gail is attending these meetings. Prepared by Gail Wagner, May 19, 2008.