HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-04-30-TAC-min.pdf Lexington Transportation Advisory Committee
) Thursday, April 30, 1998 Meeting
7.30 PM, Room 111
Meeting Minutes
Attendees: Don Graham Ed Ganshirt
Sara Arnold Sally Castleman
Bill Mix Betty Eddison
Rebecca Rogers Nancy Kolb
Eva Heney
1. Rebecca Rogers,Lexington High School sophomore,was introduced to the TAC
members.Rebecca was given a brief overview of the TAC role in Lexpress service and
the purpose of her involvement as a student liaison.Rebecca provided some thoughtful
insight regarding Lexpress service. She suggested that more information about the service
need to be disseminated to the school population. Ben Turk had begun to contact the
Superintendent of Schools Office about an outreach program.Nancy Kolb will follow up
on his efforts and contact the school principal and activities director.
2. A discussion of updating the Lexpress logo took place.A suggestion was made to have a
logo contest instead of hiring a graphic designer.The logo contest would assist in
generating excitement about the new CNG buses. Creating different categories of entries
(commercial,student,adult)was discussed.The logo contest could also include
development of an icon and development of a bus painting scheme for the new vehicles.
Idea to distribute contest guidelines in the fall with the map mailing was discussed.
Coordinating with the schools' art departments was also discussed.
3. Discovery Day was discussed and participation determined to be a good marketing
opportunity Need to create marketing materials for booth advertising Lexpress, including
summer service to Minuteman Tech.Nancy to organize re-routed buses and confirm
space with Chamber of Commerce.
4. The CNG bus RFP has solicited proposals for 4 buses:Bluebird Transhuttle,Bluebird Q-
Bus,Bluebird CSRE-32,and Eldorado Transmark RE.Three factors have narrowed the
appropriate buses to these four: CNG, 10-year vehicle,and bus less than 30 feet long.The
buses are currently being evaluated by the selection committee. Delivery times on the
vehicles are 6 to 11 months,depending on the vehicle that is chosen.
5. The Lexpress service contract with Joseph's Limousine service is up on June 30.It can be
extended for about 3 months under Chapter 30B and Joseph's has agreed to extend their
contract until the end of August.Therefore,an RFP will need to issued for service
between September 1 and until the CNG buses are available.We will also need to issue
an RFP for service with the CNG buses. Since this service information is needed as soon
as possible,a joint RFP may be issued where proposals could be for one or both portions
of the service.Transportation Advisory Committee members were requested to
participate in the solicitation process.Lorraine Pacocha volunteered.
6. Nancy Kolb has been researching several aspects of the Lexington-Concord Trolley
service including time travel runs and service provider costs. Four trolleys are needed to
provide the service with appropriate headways(20 minutes).The available grant monies
and local match would cover the cost of providing this service from July through October
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this year, five days a week at a cost of$40 per hour.However,interviews with several
providers indicate several issues:trolleys are not readily available,cost would be
approximately$60 per hour,and service providers would require a long term contract to
guarantee capital cost coverage.The Lexington Concord Visitor's Council(LCVC)is
looking into possible funding sources,however,given the need for a long term contract
(3 years),the local match monies for the next 3 years would need to be raised up front.
Nancy will be attending a meeting with the LCVC on May 7 to hear fund raising status
and provide an update of the information received from service providers.
7 Nancy Kolb provided an overview of Chair Car service.Contract with SCM
Transportation in place until June 30, 1999 COA and daycare representatives are happy
with service provided by SCM.
8. Final plans are being prepared by the landscape architect to Mass Highway Department
specifications for the Depot Square project.No specific word from MHD on when
construction of the project may start.
9 Other Business:Nancy Kolb is looking into electronic fareboxes and development of a
ridership database.Nancy will also being going before the Historic District Commission
informally on May 7 regarding two additional Lexpress signs in Lexington Center.
10. Minutes of the March 25, 1998 Meeting were approved.
11. Next meeting: Thursday May 14, 1998,7:30 PM,Room 111.
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