HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-19-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee (TAC)
Minutes — September 19, 2012
Attendees
TAC Members present: Bill Levison, Sara Arnold, Elaine Dratch, Sally Castleman
TAC Members absent: Larry Link, Francine Stieglitz, Peter Levy
Staff: Jeanette Rebecchi, Charlotte Rogers
Liaisons: Hank Manz, Selectman
Other: Mike Boudett
1. Introductions: Mike Boudett was introduced as a resident who maybe interested in joining
the committee.
2. Minutes: There were no objections to the Minutes from the July TAC meeting, but without a
quorum, approval was postponed.
3. Transportation Services Update:
• Review of Lexpress ridership data: A five year history of ridership data shows
little significant change.
• Marketing: Jeanette reported that Lexpress flyers were included in 300 LexFun
backpacks for families with young children.
• Peak Hour Ridership: Although M & L is enforcing the 28 passenger limit on the
buses, no students have been turned away. Route 4 is picking up some of the Route 2
passengers at 7 a.m. to avoid a problem. Route 4 is getting to the high school on
time.
• Bike Racks: Anecdotally, it is known that they are being used, but there is no data.
• Flex- Passes: 211 Flex- Passes have been sold this year, up from about 130 last year,
despite an increase in the surcharge from $10 to $50. This includes 151 high school
students, 34 Clarke students, and 26 Diamond students. School pass sales were sold
to 25% to -date in this school year and to 18% of the students at the same point in time
in FY12.
• The Ride: There are pockets of town where The Ride passengers will be charged $5
by the T but because of the proximity of Lexpress service they only legally have to
pay $4. The Supported Living line item ($15,000) is adequately funded to pay the
difference, but the logistics of reimbursing these passengers is complex: the MBTA
is not in a position to ask the passenger to pay $4 and then ask the Town for
reimbursement, partially because the MBTA cannot disclose the names of its
customers but the Tow needs documentation. The MBTA provides about 19,000
para- transit rides to or from Lexington annually. The Federal Transit Authority
requires that there be a plan for addressing this issue.
4. Transportation Advisory Committee Charge: One small change has been made to one
sentence in the recommended charge being developed by the committee. A vote on the
recommended changes will be taken at the next meeting.
5. MBTA Advisory Board: The advisory board would like to know the position of towns
regarding funding for transportation and transit in the state, and the board has provided a
sample statement for consideration by towns. TAC should provide the Selectmen with a
recommended statement.
6. Survey on Transportation Needs by MAPC and MAGIC: This survey was distributed to
the MAGIC member towns. Lexington had 750 responses. Results indicate that Lexington
residents want better service to Alewife. There was discussion about:
A possible express bus to Thornton Fields in Arlington where passengers could
walk through the bikeway tunnel to Alewife.
A partnership with 128 Business Council to facilitate reverse rides to Alewife in
the morning and to Lexington in the evening. Because parking would be an issue,
perhaps it could be a "bike `n ride" program, starting with a pilot program during the
spring and fall. Jeanette will talk to Monica Tibbits about this idea.
7. Increasing Lexpress Midday ridership: Charlotte reported that the Council on Aging is
sponsoring a day -long workshop on October 24 called Opportunity Knocks. The focus will
be on how to encourage the use of resources for residents aged 55 and up.
The idea of charging seniors 25 cents during midday hours was discussed. Jeanette will
check with the MBTA to be sure there is no legal problem with doing this. A pilot program
could be started in the winter. One question is how this might impact the price of the senior
pass.
8. Lex- Connect Update: As expected, sales have been low and primarily to frail individuals.
9. Next Meeting: Bill will send out a doodle to schedule an October meeting.
Documents: Agenda, Lexpress Ridership Tables, MBTA Advisory Board draft statement
Recorder: Sara Arnold