HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-11-14-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee Minutes
November 14, 2016
Meeting was called to order at 7:09 PM
Members Present: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Susan Barrett, Elaine Dratch, Hank
Manz, Co -Chair
Members absent: Bill Levison, Co -chair
Staff: Jeanette Rebecchi, Transportation Manager
Minutes of October 17, 2016 meeting were moved to accept (with minor typo
corrections) by Sara Arnold, seconded by Susan Barrett, Unanimously accepted.
Public Comment- N one
Joe Pitta, from Minuteman Tech, has requested bus service into the MM grounds at
the 9:00 AM and 2:15 PM times. This would allow students to commute into town
for work -study placements. There already is an MBTA bus #76 going past MMTech.
The stops are not amenable to walking, and there is a question as to whether the
sidewalks are plowed. Ms. Rebecchi will test out demand before a trial run.
The RFP for the new Lexpress contract was due today. There were two bidders -
M&L (the current operator) and Trans - Action Associates (who run the 128 buses
and the Bedford BLT). Staff members including Ms. Rebecchi and TAC member
Hank Manz will be meeting on Nov. 16 to review the bids. The initial
recommendation will be based on qualifications and responses without price
proposals. Basic responses, and familiarity with the RFP requirements will be rated.
Also, reference checks, after the final readings and qualitative decision.
Discussion of the TDM contribution. The Town Manager has recommended that
the REV Commuter bus tap into the TDM reserved stabilization fund for $50,000
this year. There was discussion about why this bus system, which initially had
requested a small "start -up" amount, was still asking for more funds. There were
questions as to whether companies are contributing, what effects the lease prices
have on business contributions, and whether any other committees have an interest
in the REV bus. The 128 Business Council wants a three -year commitment for this
funding. Mr. Manz will talk to Melissa Tintocalis, Town Economic Development
Director for more info.
Financial Analysis- Co -chair Bill Levison has previously suggested a new way of
calculating the annual TDM drawdown for Lexpress based on a percentage of the
contract price. TAC will wait until he is present in the spring to discuss this more
fully. A lot will depend on what the new contract will cost.
Ridership - There was much discussion about ways to attract more student
ridership. Susan Barrett has taken the lead in this. It was agreed that it would be
helpful to have demonstrations on how the Lexpress works and info on boarding;
transfers, etc. Suggestions include instructional flyers, Give -aways with Lexpress
passes, parent education, LexMedia; Keys for kids, Community Center; local
business promotions; You -Tube demos; and getting some boy scouts involved in
videos. Ms. Barrett asked that ridership discussion and efforts be included on future
Agendas.
Meeting motion to adjourn at 8:08 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Dratch
Materials presented at the meeting:
• Agenda
Approved January 23, 2017