HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-12-04-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Minutes
December 4, 2017
Members Present: Bill Levison, Co-Chair; Sally Castleman; Sara Arnold; Elaine Dratch; Su Shen
(late)
Members absent: Hank Manz, Co-Chair; Susan Barrett
Staff: Charlotte Rodgers, Human Services Director
Liaison: Nancy Adler, COA; Bob Creech, Planning Board
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM in Room 246 of the Community Center.
There was no public comment.
Minutes from previous meeting were approved.
Melissa Tintocalis, the Town's Economic Development Director, was present to discuss the REV
bus.
• The REV was meant to concentrate on Hartwell businesses. Ridership has grown since
the service began in 2013. January through October, 2017 saw an average of 420
rides/month.
• There are only about 13 major owners and only about 7 contribute financially. The
town of Bedford contributes $5,000/year. A Job Area Reverse Commute (JARC) grant
had initially pledged 80% of the cost but the grant ended after one year. TAC suggested
that Khatadin Woods be approached for immediate additional support.
• Moneys have been withdrawn each year from TDM funds with what appears to be no
plan for ending this subsidy, which is currently$50,00 annually.
• TAC asked to see the list of those owners that do contribute to the REV and those that
do not. TAC is interested in differences in the way companies promote use of the bus
and why some have better ridership. TAC suggested differences in worker profile may
be a large factor in accounting for differences in ridership.
• TAC questions how the REV will be supported financially going forward and suggests
that the subsidy be a line item in the budget so that property owners can show the
expense to their tenants.
• TAC questions whether sufficient attention is being paid to the long-term life of TDM to
support Lexington's transportation needs going forward.
TAC suggests that there be a substantive discussion on what Lexpress in particular—and Town
transportation generally—will look like in a few years, including whether a fixed-route system
will continue to be appropriate.
Ms. Rodgers provided an update on transportation matters
• Several reports regarding Lexpress ridership and finances were provided.
• Ten resumes from candidates for Transportation Manager were received, and three will
be interviewed by a committee on which Mr. Levison and Ms. Castleman will represent
TAC. Ms. Rodgers is hoping to have the new person in place in early January.
• Ms. Rodgers has submitted a proposal for an $80,000 Efficiency and Regionalization
Grant for a consultant to create a regional transportation plan, which would encompass
at least Lexington, Bedford, and Burlington This could address needed shared services,
as well as identifying priorities for the future.
Mr. Levison reviewed some of the Open Meeting Law requirements.
The meeting was adjourned shortly before 9:00.
Materials presented at the meeting
• Agenda
• Minutes of previous meeting
• Charts providing statistics on REV bus ridership