HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-11-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes
Meeting Date: January 11, 2006
Attendees Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Hank Manz, Francine Stieglitz, Gail
Wagner
Response to Ravi Sakhuja's Dial-A-Ride Proposal
Sara's submitted an Op Ed article to the Minuteman presenting TAC's position in support of a fixed
route Lexpress system over Ravi's dial-a-ride proposal. Sara is also composing a letter to be sent to
Ravi's residence summarizing TAC's analysis A draft of this letter was presented for edits
Francine commented and agreement was voiced that it was time to conclude discussion of this topic
given extensive deliberations over the past year
FY06 Lexpress Budget
Hank reported that the Town Manager and legal counsel determined parking funds couldn't be
applied to public transit This is a reversal of past policy The staff budget for all transportation
related services remains under Lexpress Efforts were made to shift parking administration to
Parking Operations, a revenue-producing program. All transportation services staffing would be
eliminated in the event Lexpress was a defeated override issue, as in June 2003 Given budget
shortfalls, an override is a likely
Patriots Day Parade
TAC will sponsor anoint Lexpress/COA presence in the parade as in past years Gail will make all
pre-parade arrangements, but is unlikely to attend the event Francine will take the lead on parade
day in the event Gail is absent The COA will be asked to recruit parade day volunteers through
FOCA.
First Friday 25¢ Fare Promotion
As a monthly event from now until June, all publicity now lists upcoming dates Bookmarks were
developed. Announcements were submitted to community television and Lexington Newcomers
Club Flyers were posted at the COA, Library and Town Hall Eric posted flyers at LHS Based on
the January first Friday, 25 additional riders rode Lexpress on January 6
GWCA (Global Warming Community Action)
This group is sponsoring several events to raise environmental awareness including an Earth Day
celebration on April 29 It is hoped that public transit including Lexpress is presented as pro
environment at upcoming GWCA sponsored events
Lexpress Scholarship Passes
Gail reported that scholarship passes have increased this year The two town social workers evaluate
financial need and refer individuals for passes Hank commented that he has heard of increased
financial assistance in other programs that waive participation fees for families experiencing
financial constraints Donations were mentioned as a possible source of funding Lexpress
scholarship passes
Worthen Road Parking Fees
Hank said there is no interest to pursue parking fees for students using Worthen Road during school
hours TAC supports the concept to illustrate the cost of private transportation. If students are
required to pay for bus rides, TAC feels students who drive to LHS should pay for parking.
Next TAC meeting. February 28, 7 pm, Room 111
Prepared by Gail Wagner