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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-09-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Minutes September 9, 2013 Members Present: Bill Levison, Co- chair; Peter Levy, Co- Chair; Sara Arnold; Mike Boudett; Elaine Dratch Members Absent: Francine Stieglitz; Sally Castleman; Larry Link (honorary member) Liaisons Present: Hank Manz, Board of Selectmen Staff Present: Jeanette Rebecchi, Transportation Manager; Charlotte Rogers, Human Services Director 1. Minutes: The August 12, 2013 Minutes were unanimously approved 2. Transportation Services Update Ms. Rebecchi provided a monthly update: • An in -depth Lexpress manual is being prepared for distribution to Lexpress drivers. The manual is intended to outline all policies, procedures, and schedule quirks so everyone is on the same page including office staff and drivers. • Ms. Rebecchi will attend back -to- school nights at the Middle Schools (9/25) and the High School (10/2) to provide information on Lexpress service. Action Item Mr. Boudett volunteered to prepare a short hand -out about TAC for distribution at the back -to- school nights. • TAC is interested in recruiting a High School student volunteer to be a committee member. Possible avenues for finding a volunteer include the back -to- school night (through the parents); high school community service program Action Item Mr. Boudett volunteered to find the name of the community service coordinator at the high school. • F1exPass sales for school year 2013 -14 are slightly ahead of sales for the 2012 -13 year. Cost is still $50. • Boarding the Lexpress buses in the Center is only allowed at designated stops. There have been some problems with buses being flagged down as they leave the Depot. After conferring with the Police Department, a decision was made by Ms. Rebecchi and Ms. Rogers to strictly enforce the boarding rules in the Center for safety reasons. Action Item Ms. Rebecchi to post rules about Center boarding on the buses and on the Transportation Dept. web -site. • Ms. Rebecchi's title was changed to Transportation Manager. 3. Transportation Working Group Ms. Rebecchi is attempting to organize a one -time "brain- storming" session attended by representatives from TAC, FISH, and COA. The session is intended for discussion about transportation services and future initiatives. TAC endorsed the idea. 4. GPS Technology The Transportation Services Department is planning to request funding for the installation of real - time GPS tracking technology in the FY2015 budget. A Program Improvement Request (PIR) for a two year pilot program is being developed. The estimated cost for this service is $900 for one- time installation of GPS devices on all 3 buses ($300 /bus) and $4020 annually for web -based tracking software from a vendor (RideSystems). TAC discussed funding options without reaching a consensus. Ms. Arnold expressed concern about using Transportation Demand Management (TDM) funds for the entire amount on an annual basis. Ms. Rogers and Ms. Rebecchi plan to discuss funding options further with Mr. Valenti. TAC voted unanimously in support of the concept of equipping the buses with GPS systems for the purpose of providing estimated arrival times to riders. 5. TDM Accounts Mr. Levison presented his proposal for Lexpress funding from TDM Accounts for FY2015. After some discussion, a decision on the TAC recommendation was postponed until the October meeting. 6. Community Center The Transportation Services office is among those being considered for moving to the new Community Center along with the rest of the Human Services Department. The alternative is to keep the Transportation Services office in the TownOfficeBuilding. Ms. Rebecchi expressed the opinion that the Community Center is likely to be a better location due to the proximity of activities for senior citizens and youth. TAC was asked for advice on this issue. TAC issued the following statement (supported by a unanimous vote): TAC supports Ms. Rebecchi's and Ms. Roger's judgment on the best location for the Transportation Services office; continued communication with TAC on this topic is appreciated. 7. Sustainable Lexington Committee Mr. Levison and Mr. Levy met with the co- chairs of the Sustainable Lexington Committee (Mark Sandeen and Rick Abrams) and two summer interns to discuss energy conservation /carbon footprint reduction as it relates to transportation in Lexington. The Summer Interns have identified non - commercial transportation as the highest percentage category of energy use by Lexington residents. In the course of the discussion, the interns mentioned that their analysis regarding Lexpress indicates that the bus service operates at higher energy (per passenger mile) than individual automobile transport. TAC discussed its interest in learning more about the details of the interns' analysis. Action Item Mr. Levison to contact Mr. Sandeen and ask for details about the Lexpress energy use analysis and the assumptions used in the analysis and comparison with automobile transport. Materials Used at the Meeting: Agenda Meeting Minutes, August 12, 2013 Lump Sum TDMAccounts TDM /PT Component of FY15 Transportation Budget