HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-09-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Minutes
April 09, 2018
Members Present: Sara Arnold, Elaine Dratch, Sally Castleman, Andra Bennett
Members absent: Bill Levinson, Hank Manz, Su Shen;
Staff: Susan Barrett
Student Representatives: Keena and Olivia
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM in Room 245 of the Community Center.
Public comment:
Susan Barrett brought up an email received from a parent with children in middle school
requesting more frequent routes in the afternoon (for after school) as well as more stops on
Lillian Road. The problem is that students who participate in after-school clubs (at Clarke Middle
school) have to wait close to an hour for the next bus (5:50) if they miss the 4:43 PM bus.
There was a suggestion to attempt coordination of after-school activities' times for a better
integration of public transport options. Making public transportation feasible with the given
constraints is challenging.
High school students also expressed that the 2:35PM bus from the high school is hard to catch.
Frequency of Lexpress routes in the afternoon is a recurrent issue, but difficult to solve with the
number of buses that are currently contracted.
Minutes: On a motion made and seconded, minutes of the meeting from 02/26/2018 were
unanimously approved by those present. A vote for the minutes from 03/19/2018 was
postponed.
Transportation Update presented by Susan
Lexpress Schedule for 2018 - There are no changes planned to the current schedule
because of the transportation study that is now starting. Flexpass cost is due for an increase but
it doesn't show up on the Lexpress schedule because Flexpass information is distributed
through the school registration packets. Susan will look into editing the Lexpress flyer with a
reference to Flexpass, which is not to be confused with a pass.
Susan will make an edit to the Lexpress map to add Minuteman Tech because there are
frequent calls to the office about it. Pizzeria Uno (at the mall) will have to be removed from map
because it closed.
There was a discussion about the feasibility of covering routes during the 7:30AM - 8:00
AM period. It was noted that there are legal requirements regarding the breaks and schedules of
bus drivers, but some TAC members pointed out that the bus contractor is responsible for
figuring out how to space out the drivers such that federal regulations are observed.
Susan noted that the summer schedule for the 7:30AM service on odd routes would be
preferred, and this idea will be further investigated. She anticipates that for July 1 st deadline for
tax mailings the Lexpress schedule will remain the same. 15,000 flyers will be printed out of
which 11,000 will be mailed with the tax information.
E&R Grant Project - RFP was drafted but not completed. RFPs will be reviewed the
week of May 14th. TAC members expressed concern about the need for specific language
related to mobility-restricted passengers in the RFP. Susan explained that ADA requirements
were implicitly subsumed in the RFP.
Middle School Parent & Parent Academy Events —These events drew high interest
from parents, and Lexpress representation could have used more people. There was interest in
organizing a special event for 5th graders to teach them how to use Lexpress. Discussion
suggested this event would be best done one school at a time. The event has not yet been
planned, but deciding whether to organize in spring or fall could have implications on Flexpass
purchases.
It was suggested that Mr. Manz might be able to discuss the event on the TMMA list serve.
MBTA Updates - Susan met with staff from the Better Bus Project. During the Spring
Outreach strategy they will organize outreach teams at bus stops in Lexington and Alewife. Bus
#62/76 weekend service will be re-examined as part of a review to enhance service.
TDM Agreements -A better system for tracking payments would be useful.
Vision 2020 Survey Results - Town wide survey results are available and feedback
pertinent to transportation highlights that there is too much traffic, there is strong interest (over
60%) in transit options and that heavy traffic is not addressed during rush hour.
The Town Manager suggested creating an online signup for a `Transportation Options'
newsletter that interested people can subscribe to.
"People Counter" Roll Out - Program is progressing and geofencing is scheduled to be
in place in the next 30 days.
Upcoming Events -A few public events are scheduled and would benefit from
additional volunteer participation (e.g. Patriot's Day, Bike Walk Bus Week, Learn Lexpress for
Middle Schoolers, Commuter Breakfast, Discovery Day etc). Susan mentioned that it would be
helpful for others to get involved in disseminating information and advertising these events on
town Iistservs.
Recreation Seasonal Employee Pass Pilot—As discussed at TAC's March 19
meeting, this pilot program will be promoted at the May orientation events for seasonal
employees at the cost of$60 per pass (as suggested by TAC).
Field Trip Fares - Progress continues on collaboration with LPS staff for creating a pass
that can be used by special needs students on outings via Lexpress.
March Lexpress Ridership Report - There was a mention that we are accumulating
34.5 operating hours per day instead of 36.0 (which comes out to be 11.5 instead of 12 hours).
Hourly ridership report is being worked on for next meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45PM
Materials presented at the meeting:
• Agenda
• Minutes of February 26, 2018 meeting
• Minutes of March 19, 2018 meeting
• March Lexpress Ridership/Revenue report
• Lexpress Flyer
• Email from Katie Bielat
Respectfully Submitted,
Andra Bennett
Approved