HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-26-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Minutes
February 26, 2018
Members present: Hank Manz, Co-chair, Sarah Arnold, Elaine Dratch, Sally Castleman, Su Shen
Members absent Bill Levison, co-chair
Staff. Susan Barrett, Transportation Manager; Charlotte Rodgers, Human Services Director
Liaisons: Nancy Adler, Council on Aging; Bob Creech, Planning Board
Guests: Diane Bigelow, Gary Fallick(Lexington at Home), Andra Bennett
Meeting called to order at 7:12 PM
H. Manz stated that TAC is looking for new members. A. Bennett said that she was interested in
an opportunity to get involved as a parent. Gary Fallick was present to express concern for aging
citizens who are giving up their cars and need transportation.
Minutes from January 8, 2018 were approved.
Susan Barrett, former TAC member, was introduced as the new Transportation Manager. She
is replacing Jeannette Rebecchi. Ms. Barrett presented a Transportation Update, based on her
past 16 days of employment. She has spent much time meeting with many "stakeholders" and
Town employees, becoming familiar with her role and responsibilities. Ms. Barrett presented her
update, which is attached. (NOTE: Since much of the discussion at the meeting was based on
this update, these minutes only add the additional, relevant comments.)
Efficiency & Regionalization Grant- Meetings about this included towns of Bedford and
Burlington, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Rte. 128 Business Council (operator of the
REV bus), NWRTA.
People Counter Rollout- Pilot will be week of March 12 to test system and compare with real-
time paper counts. The people counter will offer data on where riders board and depart bus and
will save staff a great deal of time related to inputting ridership data.
Lexpress as After School Alternative. The schools will no longer be taking students from
schools to after-school activities. Issues were—confusion of students and schools, liability. Ms.
Barrett has studied each route to see what alternatives there could be. Some specific after-school
programs (Empow) may wish to have staff members ride Lexpress with their clients.
Economic Development- There is a need for better coordination with other town events, maps,
staff, etc_
Increasing Ridership ideas- Ms. Barrett is looking into Seasonal pass for Recreation dept.
staff Better School/parent Forums coordination.
Charlie Cards: Charlie Cards are available at the Community Center.
Lex Connect-is very popular. The program expenses are running about $39,000 this year. The
program has $12,500 in grants. Discussion about resistance of Seniors to giving up their cars.
Need to keep seniors in our community. Mr. Fallick said he will update a spreadsheet comparing
the cost of Owning/operating a car vs. Taxi/Lex Connect/Uber/Lyft services. Other ideas- a
workshop on using Uber/Lyft and a service known as "Go Go Grandparent."
Ms. Barrett also submitted some ideas for Fare Structure-these will be discussed more
thoroughly at the next meeting.
March meeting will be on March 19, 2018.
Meeting was adjourned at 8: 45 PM.
Materials presented at the meeting
Feb. 26 Agenda
TAC minutes- Jan.8, 2018 meeting
Transportation Update since Jan. 8, 2018 (from S. Barrett
Lexpress summary report
Lexpress Fare Structure, routes, schedule for July 1 changes
Flexpass Ridership and payments Memo to TAC re Upcoming events (from S. Barrett)
Map of Lex-connect Taxi Voucher program rates
Respectfully Submitted, Elaine Dratch