HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-22-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee
Date: March 22, 2011
Members Present: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Peter Levy, Francine Stieglitz
Members Absent: Larry Link, Bill Levison
Liaisons: Nancy Adler, Council of Aging and Hank Manz, Selectmen
Staff: Gail Wagner
TAC meeting minutes for February 14, 2011 were voted on and approved.
Lexpress Updates
➢ February riders: There were 159 fewer than last year. Snow storms impacted riders.
➢ Suggestions to increase ridership were raised: Earth Day 250 ride if wearing green;
targeting a population group; articles highlighting senior riders; Lexington store /service
sales receipt $10 or more gets free ride on Lexpress.
➢ Hank commented that Lexpress drivers are most helpful to known senior riders; example
helping with grocery bags.
➢ Ridership is charted by drivers. It is wise to periodically check the human error factor to
ensure we are getting a reasonable representation of ridership and ridership trends. This
has been done in the past.
➢ Hank noted that drivers do not always use their counters in tracking riders, but if there
are only a few riders, a driver may not need the counter.
➢ Patriots Day Parade is April 18. TAC members were asked to participate.
➢ Due to Lahey Lexington construction, Route 4 is not entering the parking lot upon
directives of Larry Smith, property manager.
➢ With the new parking grid at Market Basket, Route 5 buses are entering from North
Street and exiting along H Mart to return to Middlesex Turnpike at Wheeler Road.
➢ Changes to the Lexpress schedule effective July 1 will be assessed. Nancy revisited the
issue of direct service to the Senior Center from the Housing Villages.
Lexpress RFP
➢ RFP should be ready for issuing in mid- September to secure costs for FYI budget.
➢ RFP is based on Mass State Law as confirmed by town's procurement officer.
➢ Vehicles and government fuel regulations are critical topics in preparing the RFP.
➢ Based on inquiries and intermodal transit emphasis, Gail suggested bike racks be added
to RFP. GPS systems that have the capacity for real time boarding updates should be
explored.
➢ RFP should specify added buses at cost rather than assumed 4 -hour minimum and that
RFP is dependent on MBTA annual funding.
MBTA Meeting Arranged by Lexington State Representative
➢ A new meeting date has not been proposed.
➢ TAC would attend to listen and support Hartwell Ave MBTA service.
Hartwell Avenue Commercial Development
➢ Developer accepted all TDM points including bus stop. Zoning variance is not sought.
League of Women Voters Forum "Complete Streets" on 4/1/11
➢ Emphasis on accommodating pedestrians, bikers, as well as vehicles and enhanced public
transit.
➢ Sara will represent TAC on a panel that includes John Livsey, town's senior engineer,
and Planning Board members, Richard Canale and Michelle Ciccolo.
Documents
Agenda
TAC Minutes February 14, 2011 Recorder: Gail Wagner
Lexpress FEB Summary Editor: Sara Arnold