HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-08-09-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee
Lexington, Massachusetts
Minutes for the meeting of Tuesday, August 9th, 2022, held remotely, beginning
approximately 7:05 pm.
Members present: Vinita Verma (Chair), Pamela Lyons, Sally Castleman, Andra
Bennett, Kunal Botla. Absent: Elaine Dratch.
Liaison: Sudhir Jain, Council on Aging; Melanie Thompson, Planning Board
Susan Barrett, Transportation Manager, Town of Lexington
Susan began with two public comments – an inquiry regarding utilizing
PayByPhone for Lexpress – we can’t do this yet, there are other issues in the
queue ahead of this; and a complaint regarding the taxi service – most seniors like
the taxi service. Right now it is short staffed.
A LHS student (Nishanth Veeragandham) is interested in joining the committee.
Vinita gave the administrative update: We did not have time to review the July
minutes ahead of the meeting so we will vote on them at September’s meeting.
Sara Arnold has officially resigned, the opening will be posted.
Pamela let us know that the HDC has formally approved the design and
placement of the bus shelter in Depot Square.
There was some discussion of the Streetscape project with Kunal questioning the
number of lanes in the Center and amount of parking.
Susan gave an update on the Mass DOT grant for six vehicles. Unfortunately the
DOT does not expect a signed contract until early 2023 and we would not know
what vehicles would be available until then. The earlies the buses would arrive is
Fall 2023 but it’s more likely winter 2023/24. Susan suggested that we issue the
RFP for one more year of service for four vehicles – this would give us the benefit
of one more year of useful life from our current vehicles – the same contractor is
very likely. Susan noted that it’s very challenging to have vehicles stored and
maintained in-house. DPW has indicated that they do not have the space nor
additional maintenance capacity.
We then had an interesting discussion concerning contributions from developers
and businesses to support mass transportation in Lexington.
Melanie noted that the 99 Hayden Avenue commercial development will be on
the Planning Board’s agenda on August 17th.
Kunal suggested bringing in transportation information from other regional
entities. He also suggested that we bring specific transportation concerns to the
Select Board but after discussion we agreed that members would send their
comments regarding the Transportation section of the Comprehensive Plan to a
subcommittee that would discuss corrections and comments. Any submission is
due on August 24th.
Susan noted that she is meeting with Avalon as their shuttle contract is ending in
2023.