HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-12-10-TAC-min.pdf Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes December 10, 1992
PRESENT
Elizabeth Andrews, Sara Arnold, Barbara Lucas, William Mix, Nicholas Santosuosso,
Carol Sonduck
HOLIDAY SHOPPING SERVICE SUBSIDY
Barbara Lucas reported that a subsidy in the amount of $985 for extra mall service was
provided by the Burlington Mall. Ridership figures for the extra service on December 4
December 5 and December 6 were disappointing, but Barbara described the advertising
of this service and had hopes of improved figures for the next two weeks. She also stated
that in the furture we will attempt to get a subsidy from the Middlesex Mall and also the
Vinebrook Mall.
NOVEMBER 24 ACCIDENT
Liz Andrews described her experience as a passenger on the bus that struck a utility pole
on Worthen Road on November 24. She stated that although she and five other riders
were taken by ambulance to hospitals, none of the injuries seemed serious. Barbara
stated that she had made arrangements to reimburse two passengers for taxi fare home
from the Leahy Clinic where they had been treated for injuries. She questioned whether
a letter should be sent to these passengers, but it was generally agreed that Norm Cohen
should be consulted before any letter would be sent.
LEXPRESS BIDDING PROCESS
Barbara reported that the cost of an extra bus for route 6 for the two hours in which
ridership levels require the additional capacity is $7,548. This amount is based on a
cost of $34 per vehicle hour. She also reported that if a contractor is not required to
purchase new buses in the bidding process, ADA may not require that all buses be wheel
chair equipped.
PARATRANSIT PLAN
The paratransist plan remains on hold due to uncertainty regarding ADA issues. Input
from Norm Cohen will be required for this plan to be developed.
DEPOT SQUARE SUBCOMMITTEE PROPOSALS FOR EMERY PARK
Nick reported that the Design Advisory Committee did not like the idea of the Lexpress
terminal being on Meriam Street as they could not support a sidewalk cut in this location.
It is their opinion that the bus terminal should be on Mass Avenue. TAC agreed that this
is not feasible as it adds time to completing routes. TAC believes Lexpress should be
incorporated into the plan for Emery Park, not pushed out to Mass Avenue. Barbara will
talk to Rick White regarding this matter and Nick agreed to state TAC's position to Steve
Hurley of the Design Advisory Committee.
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CHAIR CAR BID
Barbara reported statistics reflecting chair car ridership is down since the contact was last
up for bidding. It was agreed that TAC would ask Elaine Dratch to provide information
about how Share-A-Ride is serving residents. TAC would also like more information
as to the services provided by The Ride from the MBTA, the C. 0 A., and the volunteer
organizaion, FISH. Barbara agreed to ask Elaine to talk to TAC or to provide a writtten
description of the chair car service.
TAC agreed to adjourn and meet again on January 7
Respectfully submitted,
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Elizabeth W Andrews
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December 10 1992 � 1
AGENDA i - Q 19
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Exhibit E
Accessibility
The Town of Lexington is in the process of attaining full accessibility as required
by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) ADA has two components which are
being addressed
1 Accessible Vehicles on Fixed Route Systems
SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE IN LEXINGTON
- MBTA--two wheelchair accessible bus routes
- LEXPRESS--Lexington subsidized/MBTA subsidized six route mini-
bus system covered by three buses plus a back-up vehicle.
Since Lexington is in the middle of a three year contract, the buses are not
wheelchair lift equipped nor designed for conversion When the Town goes out to
bid in early 1993, the vehicles specified will be lift-equipped
The Town is planning for the integration of wheelchair accessible service on its
fixed route system as follows
Identification of the best lift-equipped vehicle(s) for the LEXPRESS system.
Currently the demand is often equal to and sometimes exceeds the capacity of
the vehicles now in use Larger vehicles may be necessary to meet regular
passenger demands plus accommodate wheelchair passengers
Development of an accessible pick-up/drop-off area in Lexington Center
While most sidewalks are accessible, the present Depot Square terminal is not
suitable to disembark or board wheelchair passengers.
Identification of the expected use of LEXPRESS by mobility-impaired
passengers A balance needs to be found between reducing the routes to allow
adequate time to accommodate these passengers while minimizing the idle time
between routes
Preparation of new contract specifications and requirements to include the
necessary provisions required by ADA.
Development of an outreach program to educate the public regarding use of the
accessible fixed route system.
2 Paratransit Service for those who cannot use fixed route systems
SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE IN LEXINGTON
Lexington-funded chair car service through Share-A-Ride, 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m. , two vehicles, two days a week. Lexington has
supported service for mobility-impaired residents since 1982
- MBTA-funded chair car service through THE RIDE, weekdays 7 a.m.
to 11 p m. , and Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
_ _ t 4'X/Mc2TQN SHARE—A —F IDE
Chair Ca-r Tra Tri 10 s _
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T ' " .- P - s I1ndv�Tri�oa ri�div �Tr/a_S
FY-1., 7/ y.2.4 Si? /78 JSh
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