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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-11-01-TAC-min.pdf Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting November 1 , 1983 Present Webb Sussman, Joyce Hals, Sally Castleman, Lillie Silvera, Sara Arnold 1 Ridership -- Passenger count completed on October 26, 1983 on two routes Conclusions- There is a collection problem. Drivers are not watching what goes in People are not paying the full fare - There is a drop in ridership Pass holder usage is almost the same as a year ago Cash and ticket passengers have dropped - Bill Covalucci should be invited to our meeting to discuss the fare collection proplems 2 Group Discussions about LEXPRESS - Sally and Sara spoke with several school age groups and a small group of senior citizens at the COA Conclusions- We did not learn a lot about what we can do differently - Most of our problems were reconfirmed - The procedure was good publicity and should be continued 3 Marketing - Is there anything new or different that we should do? Conclusions- Need to do more at Hayden - Need a new poster to advertise LEXPRESS Lillie will work on preparing camera ready work Sara will look into costs of printing or silk screening - at the schools perhaps - When new buses arrive, take one to the schools - perhaps to Christmas activities - in the Center also - Put small flags on the buses Webb will look into flags - Decorate buses for the holidays - Thanksgiving turkey - candy canes - Improve driver morale - give drivers recognition - perhaps newspaper articles - Sara will talk to Micky Hinkle 4 Budget - FY84 There could be a shortfall of $12,000 We cannot ask the Town for more money, but it looks as though there will be money from the MBTA, perhaps as much as $60,000 The LEXPRESS budget has always been met in the past This year we must explain that we have finally been affected by the poor equipment over the past two years Efforts are being made to regain the lost ridership but it takes time Cutting service will not reestablish confidence We should use "T" money to cover any shortfall Sara will pursue this with Bob Hutchinson 5 Budget - FY85 - Due November 16, 1983 - In our estimates, Administration, Marketing and fuel costs must reflect an increase, while revenue must reflect a de- crease Sara will look into reasonable projections for these and will ask if the Committee can submit a budget after November 16 Due to vacation schedules, a meeting cannot be held until after nh u lb - Elaine has reported to the Town that we can continue Share-A-Ride services at level funding This is partially because the Town is allowing her to rent space at Munroe School 6 Next meeting - Tentatively November 29 (Since Jim Crain did not come to this meeting Sally will speak to him about the best night during the week of November 28) T A C Minutes Oct 17, 1983 1! Ridership down $ down We will monitor drivers 'smilax and collection better, and tighten up Depot Square collection Should we do a head count? Blitz when new service begins Reeducate about savings Get Transcomm to put on unknown riders to observe Test for new drivers What are reasons for drop? degredation of service--lost faith drivers not stop, do route wrong buses awful drivers reckless school-age pop drop change in society energy, save $, no chauffeuring Survey H S , Jr Highs, Eld Housing units, also riders 25 young, 25 elderly min Also classroom group, e g civics class 5-15 mins with class Use survey results to influence mairketing campaign when new buses Survey-- Grade or age (not elderly)? Do you ever ride the bus? Do you ride it more or less than year ago? If less, why? What do you like about Lexpress? What do you not like about Lixpress? What would make you ride more? { Free press worth a lot Marketing -- Xmas Talk to Chamber about bags again **Take new bus around to every elementary school before begin service Lunch recess Let kids get on and off Glve safety ptich at same time "Yua 're getting to be on this bus before anyone else " Picture of Share-a-Ride user on bus and small article, for Minute-Man SOON Joyce will see about group at LHS to help with survey Sara and Lilly will go to LHS to class if arranged Larry will get names of poss teache s 2 TMC had old vehicles around We have patent/ Sara will notify them to paint over the logo 3 Blind rider has been riding free becuase allowed to on T, with Mass Commission oil Blind card Should pay same as any handi iperson i/2 fare No cut on pass this year bercause other handi already bought full-fare passes 4 Conflict of Interest rules State law stricter As members of TAC we are (special ) Town employees and as such can't ()be municipal employees twice Therefore, in other capacity k g Contractor) can't also work for town Submit letter to Norm Cohen with any questions 4 Town Report picture at next meeting unless we can wait for new buses to arrive 5 We will invite Jim Crain to next meeting, as his last before his resignation takes effect We will have cake!