HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-20-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee (TAQ Minutes
May 20, 2013
Members Present: Peter Levy, Co- Chair; Mike Boudett; Francine Stieglitz
Members Absent: Bill Levison, Co- chair, Sara Arnold; Sally Castleman; Elaine Dratch
Staff Present: Jeanette Rebecchi, Transportation Coordinator; Charlotte Rodgers, Human
Services Director
1. Minutes: Approval of the April 8, 2013 Minutes was postponed to the next meeting due
to the lack of a quorum.
2. Patriots Day Parade: Ms. Rebecchi reported that the parade attendance was high (bus
was packed with Seniors). Thanks to all who participated.
3. FY 2014 Schedule:Ms. Rebecchi distributed a pre -print of the new schedule. No fare or
Route changes are planned. A Twitter logo appears on the schedule. Ms. Rebecchi plans
to set up a Twitter account for Lexpress to be used to post service announcements such
as delays or cancellations (Pending approval by Town Manager). The School Department
has been using a Twitter account for this purpose for school buses.
4. Bus Incident: Ms. Rebecchi and Ms. Rodgers met with M & L. The Driver was
reprimanded. Installation of seat belts on the buses was discussed with the Elaine Celi
(school buses have lap belts on them). There are some safety concerns about the use of
lap belts on the buses. Decision on installation of seat belts on Lexpress not yet made.
5. Free Rides for Seniors between 9 a.m. and 1:59 p.m.: Overall, rides by Seniors and
disabled have about doubled during the trial period from Jan through April. Extension of
the program for the next FY (Jul 2013 through Jun 2014) is being requested and will be
discussed on May 20 at the BOS meeting. No presentation from Transportation
coordinator requested.
Note that total fare box collection reduction due to the program was calculated to be
$416. Total sales of Lexpress Senior Passes was $2400 for FY 2013. Not clear how Senior
Pass sales will be affected by the free rides.
6. School Department Transportation Update: No update available.
7. Commuter Benefits Program: Ms. Rebecchi provided a brochure that highlights
commuter benefits that are about to be provided to all Town and School Department
employees through the town's Route 128 Business Council membership. The benefits
will be provided at no cost to employees and include:
• Carpool Matching
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Personalized commuter assistance
8. Dana Home Grant: The Human Services Department's application for a grant from the
Dana Home Foundation was approved. The grant (1 year) is for $25,500. The plan is to
use the funds for a program called Senior Outreach Services (SOS). One component of
SOS is transportation services. This component of the program includes:
• 300 hours of consulting services ($7500)
• LexConnect (taxi voucher service) and ambulance /chair car rides ($7500)
9. LexConnect Taxi Program: Upgrades are being made to the program. These upgrades
include the following:
• Saturday and Sunday service between 8 am and 8 pm
• Monday through Friday service between 9 am and 5 pm
• Reduction in cost for a one -way ride within Lexington from $5 to $3
• Expansion of services to Emerson Hospital (Concord), Mt Auburn Hospital
(Cambridge), and Newton - Wellesley Hospital (Newton)
The program has been operational for about 1 year and has provided approximately 500
rides to date.
10. Hartwell Avenue Shuttle Grant: The state grant to fund a shuttle between the
businesses on Hartwell Avenue and Alewife has been approved. The committee
suggested inviting Melissa Tintocalis (Town's Economic Development Officer who
spearheaded the effort to obtain the grant) to a future TAC meeting to provide more
information.
11. Goal Setting for Transportation: The Town is beginning the goal setting process for FY
2015. A suggestion was made to set aside a future TAC meeting for goal setting on
transportation. We could request to have Candy McLaughlin (Assistant to the Town
Manager) facilitate the meeting.
12. Next Meeting: The next meeting is scheduled for June 10.
Materials Used at the Meeting:
Agenda
Lexpress FY'14 Schedule pre -print
Commuter Benefits handout
TAC Activity Log