HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-14-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) Minutes
May 14, 2019
7:00 p.m. Lexington Community Center, Room 245
Members Present: Andra Bennett, Co-Chair; Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch;
Vinita Verma
Member Absent: Hank Manz, Co-Chair;
Liaisons: Mark Sandeen, Select Board; Bob Creech, Planning Board
Staff: Susan Barrett
Guests: Bill Levison, Resident, previous TAC member; Alice Meade, Resident
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m.
Public Comments: Ms. Meade reported on her concerns related to the high use of single
occupancy vehicles, which she recently observed in high volume on Route 128/95. She
believes that a mobile app could be used to connect those who need rides with those who are
driving to the same location. In some situations, this might involve more than one driver to get
to a destination. This is done in Europe with an application called BlaBlaCar, which focuses on
long distance traveling. The rider contributes to the cost of gasoline.
Ms. Barrett agreed to provide Ms. Meade with information that might be helpful related to such
applications. Discussion included reference to services that had facilitated carpooling in
Massachusetts, such as Caravan, no longer available, and a program through Mass.
Department of Transportation ending in June. It was noted that issues of personal safety,
insurance, and background checks would need to be addressed.
Ms. Barrett reported on emails that she had received from citizens:
® Lisa Miliori, a Greeley Village resident, is unhappy that there is less frequent Lexpress
service in the late afternoon as compared to the rest of the day.
® Mr. Kocheta, a member of Indian Americans of Lexington, suggests that bus shelters
would be beneficial for all riders, especially seniors.
® Conan Hom, a Grove Street resident, would like the Massachusetts Bay Transit
Authority (MBTA) subway system to extend its red line to Lexington. He also would like
bus shelters.
® A. Amanuja, a Lexington resident, would like express bus service to Boston re-instated.
Ms. Barrett also commented that Lexington resident Vicki Blier had initiated discussions on local
social media about the need for express service to Boston.
These reports triggered discussion about shelters and the Tri-Town Transit Study, which is
under peer review. Mr. Sandeen found reference online to an MBTA effort to increase the
number of bus shelters to help improve ridership.
Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the February 11, 2019 Minutes.
VOTE: 5-0
Late Night/Weekend Service Needs: Ms. Barrett reported the following:
The need for late night and weekend service came up frequently during the Tri-Town
Transit Study survey. It isn't clear whether those requesting this were employers or
employees, but Melissa Tintocalis, Lexington's Economic Development Director hears
this request from businesses, particularly from those operating small restaurants.
® The Middlesex 3 Transportation Management Association has plans to operate a shuttle
between the Burlington Mall and Lowell from late afternoon until 1 a.m. and on
weekends to supplement LRTA service as part of a workforce development plan to help
restaurants in Burlington recruit and retain workers.
* Lexington staff members are meeting on June 31 to discuss increased collaboration
between departments regarding transportation issues.
It was noted that Wilson Farms has a bus on Sundays for its employees. It was suggested that
the Chamber of Commerce might compile data and explore options for addressing the issues
that employers face with employee transportation.
Transportation Update: Reviewing her handout, Ms. Barrett's report included, but was not
limited to the following:
® Tri-Town (Bedford, Burlington, Lexington)Transit Study: A peer review by the 128
Business Council is nearing completion. Staff members from the three towns plan to
meet on May 29th. A public forum will likely be scheduled in July. The funding grant for
the transit study has been extended to July 1, 2020.
® Discovery Day: The Lexington Retailers Association has requested that a Lexpress
bus be on display on Discovery Day. The bus contractor has agreed to provide this at
no cost.
Ms. Barrett asked members to review the TAC charge, and she asked how she might assist.
She mentioned various initiatives that may be of interest. It was agreed that it would be
informative if she could invite representatives of those initiatives to come and speak at a
meeting. Members of the Planning Board may be interested in joining such discussions.
It was noted that the committee charge references meeting the transportation needs of
Lexington residents and supporting a reduction of single occupancy vehicles. It was agreed that
such goals are expansive. Mr. Sandeen suggested identifying and ranking various goals to help
provide guidance on where to focus this Committee's energy.
Lexpress 4011 Anniversary Planning: Ms. Verma has been working with Ms. Barrett on ideas
for a September celebration. September 2111 has been identified as a date when State
Representative Michelle Ciccolo would be available. This segues nicely into World Car Free
Day on September 22nd. Ms. Dratch and Ms. Castleman agreed to help with information about
people from the Lexpress early years who should be invited.
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Funding: Ms. Barrett reported that King Hayden
Owners had made a one-time contribution of over$1.0 million to the Town for
transportation/traffic initiatives. In a joint meeting with multiple Town staff and the Town
Manager, it was decided to put half in the TDM Stabilization Fund and half in the Traffic
Stabilization Fund. Ms. Barrett reported that during this meeting, it was also agreed that the
Transportation Manager should be included when such agreements are being negotiated, rather
than after the fact, because past negotiations have included some unreasonable requests and
also items that do nothing to solve transportation issues. She also said that she would be
consulted when decisions are made about how to use the TDM Stabilization Fund, noting that
these funds have traditionally been used for Lexpress and The Rev (transportation service
between Hartwell Avenue and Alewife Station).
Next TAC meeting is scheduled for June 10th.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM
Respectfully Submitted, Sara Arnold
Approved
Materials presented at the meeting:
® Agenda for meeting
® Transportation Update since April 2, 2019, prepared by Ms. Barrett
® Lexpress Summary Report Ridership/Revenue for April 2019
® Transportation Advisory Committee Charge as adopted by the Lexington Select Board