HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-02-TAC-min
Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) DRAFT Minutes
December2, 2013
Members Present:
Bill Levison, Co-chair; Peter Levy, Co-Chair; Sara Arnold; Elaine Dratch
Sally Castleman;
Members Absent:
Francine Stieglitz;Mike Boudett
Liaisons Present:
Hank Manz, Board of Selectmen
Staff Present:
Jeanette Rebecchi, Transportation Manager; Charlotte Rogers, Human
Services Director
Minutes:
1.The November4, 2013 Minutes were unanimously approved.
Student Recruitment:
2.Mr. Levison reported that a notice had been posted on the High
School website regarding the opening for a student representativeon TAC.
Taxi Service in Lexington:
3.Ms. Rebecchiattended the Board of Selectmen’s Policy
Manual Committee meeting to discuss the licensing of taxi service in Lexington. She
reviewed the benefits that taxi service in Lexington would have for residents and asked
that steps be taken that would allow a provider to be present in Lexington. The Policy
Committee has agreed to develop a hackney license policy and find space for a taxi stand
in town.
Lexpress RouteChanges:
4.Ms. Rebecchi shared ridership data that shows how each route
is used by time of day. Routes 2 and 6 spike at 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Route 5 has the
highest ridership during the middle of the day. The free senior ride program has
increased midday ridership as compared to 2008.
Ms. Rebecchi presented five options for changing the routes to serve the 39 Marrett Road
Community Center that will open in the fall. Routes 1 and 2 are the most obvious
candidates for incorporating the Community Center but this will require adjusting routes
and taking service away from some neighborhoods. It was generally agreed that there
should be no changes to Route 6. Route 5 will continue to serve the Burlington and
Middlesex Malls, although there could be a change that has the bus travelling on North
St. twice in the same direction in an effort to avoid traffic congestion. Committee
members agreed to drive to the mall area during the holiday season and test the traffic
patterns.
Route 4 is currently the longest route and is considered convoluted. Possible changes
include having it travel through LexingtonCenter in the middle of its half hour route.
Committee members will study the alternatives and work toward recommending routes
that start on July 1, 2014.
Communication with Ad hoc Community Center Advisory Committee (AhCCAC)
5.:
Although the AhCCAC is not yet formally discussing site access, there have been
comments made at AhCCAC meetings about an emergency access road that could be
one-way or closed except in an emergency. It was suggested that a letter be written from
TAC to Michelle Ciccolo, Chair, AhCCAC, as soon as possible. It was agreed that the
letter should report the need to take Lexpress service from some neighborhoods in order
to serve the Community Center. It will mention the advantages to having Lexpress use a
shorter access road from Marrett Road than the current driveway. The letter will also
address the need for a comprehensive approach to facilitating transportation options for
accessing the Community Center site. It was moved and seconded that such a letter be
written and sent. VOTE: 5-0
Materials Used at the Meeting:
Agenda
Draft Meeting Minutes, November4, 2013
Ridership graphs for April 2013 and April 2008 by time of day and by route number
Alternate Lexpress Routes (5 versions), with maps and Pros and Cons, prepared by Ms.
Rebecchi