HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-06-20-TAC-min.pdf Lexington Transportation Advisory Committee
Wednesday, June 20, 2001
7.30 PM, Room 111
Meeting Minutes
Attendees: Don Graham Bill Levinson
Betty Eddison Ben Turk
Ed Ganshirt Gail Wagner
Sara Arnold
1. Ridership.Discovery Day 'ride free' promotion was an overwhelming success;
ridership increased by 161 from the previous Saturday primarily adult riders. In
comparing the first eleven months of FY 2001 with the same period FY 2000,total
ridership was down by 4%. However,student ridership was up by 10.7%and total
revenues up by 48.6%resulting from increased pass sales. Accuracy of ridership
was discussed.Daily fares are used as a check against operators' numbers.Fares are
routinely greater and ridership adjusted.
2. Wheelchair Lift.There have been several complaints in the past month.The same
wheelchair dependent rider experienced mechanical problems on bus#80 on 5/10/01
and#82 on 6/14/01. MLTS(bus contractor)feels the maintenance and checks are
adequate and the equipment in general is the problem. Don Graham confirmed that
this is an industry issue. Drivers will be asked to log total number of wheelchair
riders and any problems experienced to better understand the issues.
3. Disabled/Blind Fares.A legally blind rider inquired if he was eligible for free
LEXPRESS ridership given his State certification card as legally blind which permits
free rides on the MBTA.His current annual LEXPRESS pass is$36. The Perkins
School for the Blind will be contacted to confirm policy
4. Student Fares. The use of the term `student' in relation to fares was discussed since
it is the same as an adult fare. Student fares were eliminated when it was found to
undercut the school system's bus.The term `general fare' might be substituted for
student/adult in the future.
5. Routes.Drivers will be asked for a list of route modifications that may improve the
system. It was noted that any route changes require public hearings and is a lengthy
process.
6. Site Supervisor Meetings. LEXPRESS site supervisor Ildo Shubert initiated weekly
meetings with Gail Wagner to discuss bus operations issues each Wednesday during
his lunch break.
7 Transit Guides.The 2002 LEXPRESS transit guides are needed by this fall,priority
issue.The specifics of the 2001 order will be confirmed with Janet Wetherbee who
managed the last order.Since the school pass mailing did not include the guide due
to mailing costs,a 2001 surplus exits. If there are no changes,the date may be
modified and distributed with the 2002 guide. Printing and mailing are costly
8. Marketing: Community Outreach and Commercial Ads. In regard to outreach,annual
pass applications were mailed to current holders,guides were distributed at Hayden
Center,library,Center pool complex,and schools. LEXPRESS summer updates will
be submitted to the Lexington Minuteman for publication.A plan regarding
commercial solicitation is needed.
9 Student Representative.A LHS sophomore,Maria Townes,has been asked to
consider becoming the student liaison. Maria was unable to attend due to final
exams.
10. Database. Bill Levison will look at the existing Excel system in greater detail.
Access was noted as providing greater capacity to sort and compare data. Town Hall
assistance in regard to Access programming will be researched. MLTS has an
Access database used to compile bus ridership on a contract basis for other towns,
such as Waltham. MLTS may serve as a resource.
11. Minutes of May 16,2001 meeting were approved.
12. Other Business. Gail Wagner thanked the committee for their assistance as she
learned the various aspects of the Transportation Services Office.
13. Next meeting: Wednesday July 11,2001.