HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-12-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee
Minutes for the meeting of Tuesday, September 12th, 2023
The meeting began at 7 pm and was held remotely.
Members present: Sally Castleman, Jonathan Schwartz, Elaine Dratch, Vinita
Verma (Chair), Mark Andersen, Pamela Lyons, Kunal Botla
Liaisons: Melanie Thompson, Planning Board, Nishanth Veeragandham, LHS
Guests: Lispeth Tibbits-Nutt and Jeff Bennett, 128 Business Council, Sheila Page,
Assistant Planning Director
Susan Barrett, Transportation Manager
The Transportation Advisory Committee voted 5 to 0 to approve the minutes
from the August 8th, 2023 meeting. The TAC voted 5 to 0 to approve the Annual
Report.
We began with an inquiry from Mark Andersen as to whether seniors and people
with disabilities are still eligible for a ½ price fare under our new $20 unlimited
pass. Answer: the MBTA asked the Town to retain the ½ price fare for those
demographics.
Lispeth Tibbits-Nutt and Jeff Bennett gave a lengthy presentation on the history,
current status, ridership trends, costs and anticipated October 2 cutback in service
on the Rev. Four runs to be reduced to three runs in the morning and late
afternoon. (Editor’s Note: TAC was later informed that the service cutback had
been averted for now but would likely happen at a later date.) The issue of
“paying” vs. free riders was noted as a growing issue. The 128 BC walks a fine line
with the ‘free riders” and makes every effort to keep members and bring in new
ones. But there’s a gap between the entities that pay for the service and the
people who actually use it. Mark inquired as to cost per ride so TAC can evaluate
the service and make a recommendation to the Select Board and suggested that
TAC create a subcommittee to meet with Ms. Tibbits-Nutt and Mr. Bennet to
discuss the Rev. Ms. Tibbits-Nutt noted that the Lexington Center Service
piggybacks onto a Rev efficiency so it might be difficult to figure this out. The
Town contributes $50k per year to the Rev out of the Economic Development
budget. Elaine suggested that the Planning Board include such consideration in
TDM agreements. Interesting information: Ridership was up to 30,292 rides in
2019 and is 22,272 so far in 2023. The majority of Hartwell riders use it 4-5 days
per week. 75% of Lexington riders use it 3-5 days per week. Lexington riders have
rated the service as largely good to excellent. Mostly people ask for more shuttle
frequency. The Rev is unusual because it is privately operated but open to the
public.
Sheila Page gave a presentation regarding proposed revision to the Transportation
Management Overlay District in the Hartwell Area. This would include reducing
minimum parking by 15%. Mitigation funds will go to near-term projects. The key
question is what is the right amount of parking for suburban uses that don’t have
much public transportation?
Then Sheila gave a slide presentation on the Bike/Pedestrian Plan and encouraged
us to attend the public meeting on October 10th. Editor’s note: This has since
been postponed.
Susan Barrett gave the Transportation Manager update: So far 355 passes have
been sold. Ridership in July/August 2023 was up 87% over 2022. We are also
taking in more cash from fareboxes than before which was a surprise
development. We are on track to exceed revenue over last year even with the $20
pass. 19-64 y.o. are the largest demographic, surpassing seniors who are usually
the largest demographic.
Sally Castleman gave an update on the work of the Ad Hoc Committee which is
coming forward with a variety of options for Lexpress to present to the Select
Board. Sally noted that Lexpress is doing very well compared to other small
transportation services. Both Sally and Elaine Dratch noted how little the Town
spends on Lexpress and how much is spent on parking.
Mark noted that driving better public policy outcomes is either higher volume for
a cost or lower cost for volume – and we should be seeking higher volume at a
cost. So TAC should focus on increasing ridership so as to make a good case to the
Town residents that Lexpress is a provides a good value for its cost.
Sally requested that a marketing group be formed. We ended the meeting at 9:25.
Items presented:
• Presentation by 128 Business Council regarding REV shuttle
• Presentation by Sheila Page regarding TMOD
• Presentation by Sheila Page regarding Pedestrian-Bike Plan
• Presentation by Susan Barrett on Lexpress pass sales/revenue