Loading...
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