HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-07-20-TAC-min.pdf Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes
July 20, 1982
Present Sally Castleman, Lance Neumann, Bill Mix, Joyce Hals, Elaine Dratch,
Sara Arnold, Beatrice Phear, Chris Keefe
1 Hudson Bus proposal to provide bus service between Lexington and the airport,
including a stop at Haymarket Square
The Committee supports the concept feeling that it would provide a needed
service We do not want it to compete with the commuter bus service but
we anticipate that this service will cost substantially more--- the ride
from Burlington to the airport is $10 There was some concern expressed
for the taxi company Joyce expressed that studies at Massport indicate
people use taxis and limousine service for different purposes and this
should not substantially affect the taxi service to Logan
The Committee would like answers to the following questions before
support is given
1 What is the exact route, both within and outside of Lexington?
2 What is the proposed fare?
3 Will service be provided from Logan back to Lexington?
2 Depot Square Posts -
The Committee was given a report from the Police Dept recommending that
the Lexpress stop be moved from its present location so that people do
not get off the buses into the flow of traffic
The Committee reveiwed the history of the present location Sept , 1979
we started on the easterly side of Depot Square but problems developed
with the businesses We moved in Oct , 1979 to the present location on an
experimental basis This location was reviewed in Sept , 1980 and it was
decided by the Board of Selectmen to leave the terminal at its present spot
We still feel the present terminal is the best from the transportation
viewpoint and question why we are discussing this issue again All we
want to do is install posts that cannot be removed by people
We discussed the height of the posts and agree with Mr Busa that they
should be higher - 4 - 41/2 feet - to insure visibility
We feel that there should be sufficient reflective devices to make the
posts visible at night
3 Commuter Bus - Bids for the service were received this afternoon We
corrected the bid from Gray Line from $40 for a monthly pass to $77 for a
monthly pass
Chris reported on recommendations he had solicited regarding Gray Line
Towns served by Gray Line do not have a contract with them and do not
get directly involved It was difficult to find anyone who knew much
but the towns indicated they rarely received complaints
It was decided to pursue further information on Gray Line since their
provisions sounded interesting Sara is to ask the following questions
1 What does "integration of service" actually mean?
2 What will the transfer points be if the integration involves
transferring?
3 What additional charge will there be for transferring?
4 What additional time will be required for going to the airport?
5 Explain why the oldest buses have the lowest mileage
6 Did Gray Line apply to E 0 T C for the Intercity Bus Capital
Assistance Program?
7 Would Gray Line try to pick up Hub's allotment of buses through
EOTC
Sara will call Mark Cutler at E 0 T C to get a status report on the
E 0 T C program Bill Mix will visit the Marlboro garage for Gray Line
and try to ride a bus so as to talk to passengers
Chris Keefe will go to D P U to get any possible information on Gray
Lines and Hub Bus Lines
The Committee will meet at 7 A.M on Monday, July 26 to review the
information and make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen
4 Lease - Study on mini-buses for Lexpress
Chris reported that Commonwealth Thomas showed no enthusiasm for our
using used vehicles when starting an agreement
Joyce and Bill had nothing new to report
Chris sees problems with garaging, maintenance, and personnel He feels
that we need to pursue those areas It was decided to mail out a letter
of inquiry to local businesses that may be interested; Arlex (Ed Tibbits -
34 Dudley Street - Elaine has his address) Transcom, Suburban Coach,
C & W , Commonwealth Coach Chris will contact other insurance companies
for prices
5 Budget request from Bob Hutchinson - 5 year plan
The Committee will submit a request for the cost of one new bus per year
Tentative meeting August 10, 1982