HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-10-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee
Date:*, January 10, 2011
Members Present: Sara Arnold, Elaine Dratch, Peter Levy, Larry Link, Francine Sti*eglitz
Members Absent: Bill Levison, Sally Castleman,
Liaisons: Nancy Adler, Council of Aging and Richard Canale, Planning Board
Guests: Dawn McKenna of Tourism Committee, Bij*an Afshartous and Maureen Mahoney.
Staff: Gail Wagner
TAC meeting minutes for December 14, 2010 were voted on and approved with edits.
Sunday MBTA Service
➢ Tourism Committee's Liberty Ride runs seven days per week, June through October.
MBTA has no Sunday service
in Lexington which makes it difficult for those dependent
on public transit to access the Liberty Ride on Sundays.
➢ A meeting with Representative Kaufman and a MBTA representative was arranged by
Dawn McKenna of the Tourism Committee. The meeting date of January 12 was
postponed due to a forecasted snow storm. A new appointment date is pending.
➢ Ms. McKenna extended invites to this meeting to TAC, Gail Wagner, Town of Bedford,
Hanscom Air Base and VA Bedford Hospital and Lexington citizens working on a
MBTA petition for improved service.
➢ The meeting would initiate a dialogue with the MBTA on service issues. Historically,
when service improvements are raised, MBTA financial perils dominate discussion.
➢ If no outside assistance is available, Liberty Ride is committed to run a limited shuttle
this summer between Lexington and the MBTA Alewife Station. Data from this service
would substantiate level of interest in Sunday MBTA service.
MBTA Citizens' Petition
➢
Bi i an Afshartous, Lexington resident who travels by bicycle and public transit, initiated a
petition signed by 1,100 residents of Lexington, Arlington, Bedford and Belmont
requesting MBTA Sunday service and extended evening hours.
➢ Maureen Mahoney, Lexington resident, is working to improve better MBTA service to
the Bedford VA Hospital. Ms. Mahoney had no data regarding unmet VA transit needs.
TAC's MBTA Objectives
➢ TAC has MBTA concerns beyond Sunday service, such as Hartwell Avenue.
➢ Sara will contact Rep. Kaufman and Selectman Manz to give an overview of concerns.
➢ Town's Vision 20/20 Transportation Plan was identified as providing a comprehensive
view.
➢ What are Lexington's transit goals for the next 5 years and what can be expected of the
MBTA?
Lexpress Update
➢ December ridership was slightly higher than last year. FYI I had 20 service days in
December compared to 22 service days in FYI 0.
➢ Lexpress service was canceled by town officials in anticipation of the Dec. 27 blizzard.
➢ Patriot's Parade will be held April 18. COA and TAC will once again collaborate.
➢ Parade theme is the celebration of the 236 anniversary of the Battle of Lexington.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Grant
➢ February 15 is the grant award date posted by the State.
➢ If awarded, Town has the right of refusal if it cannot enact project.
Senior MBTA Spring Transit Field Trip
➢ Larry suggested increased publicity for a spring event. FISH client newsletter and
Lexington at Home were noted, as well as the library and COA.
➢ December MBTA senior field trip was warmly received by p
Traffic Mitigation Group (TMG) and Future
➢ Committee was formed by former Selectman Jeanne Krieger who became the chair.
➢ Members represented the Appeal Board, Planning Board, transportation advisory
committees including TAC, bicycle, sidewalk and traffic safety, and staff.
➢ Primary purpose was to determine TDM measures when re- zoning was required by
developers.
➢ Town Manager did not feel group negotiations were effective and formed a small team to
address TDM negotiations.
➢ TMG subsequently evolved into a policy group to review broad transportation issues.
➢ Selectmen involvement was the critical element of this committee,, The current Board of
Selectmen does not appear to have a member with this interest.
TAC Charter Revision
➢ Revised charter submitted to Selectmen last year was met with a global comment that all
committees' charters were to be reviewed,,
➢ TAC would like the charter to reflect its expanded role.
➢ As TAC reviews its charter, it was suggested that town transportation goals outlined in
the town's Vision 20/20 Transportation Plan and Comprehensive Plan - Transportation
Element be considered.
➢ Should TAC charter include quantitative transportation goals?
Documents
Agenda
TAC Minutes December 14, 2010
L express December Summary
Electric Vehicle Grant Application
Recorder: Gail Wagner