HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-11-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee
Date: April 11, 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
Guests: Charlotte Rodgers, Human Services Director, Elaine Celi, School Bus Coordinator,
Nelie Gordon, Human Services Intern
Staff: Gail Wagner
School Dept. proposal to incorporate Lexpress tickets with High School bus pass
➢ Elaine Celi gave background on the school bus contract and limited high school
participation, 350 passes this year. Results of the school travel survey indicate desire for
flexible afternoon travel. Options are being looked at to increase travel options that could
result in reduction of one school bus. Elaine emphasized that there is no intent to
compete or impair Lexpress service. The proposal is to explore collaboration that maybe
mutually beneficial, such as providing school bus pass holders with some Lexpress
tickets that would provide students with transportation after the 2:30 school bus
departure.
➢ Sara expressed TAC's strong support for interdepartmental cooperation, but is concerned
with Lexpress capacity, loss of revenue if tickets are sold at a discount (Lexpress is on a
tight budget), and logistical issues related to the use of the tickets issued with school bus
passes.
➢ Gail assessed Lexpress could best incorporate after school LHS pass holders from 4 pm
to 6 pm.
➢ Methods to ensure boarding only during the last two hours of Lexpress service were
discussed from many aspects, including the burden on the Lexpress drivers to enforce.
Presentation of a high school bus pass by the rider and a distinct LHS /Lexpress ticket was
the most likely method.
➢ Limited access and a less popular time of day would justify a reduced cost of
LHS /Lexpress ticket books. No cost specifics were presented. The School Dept. would
like to buy tickets at a discount.
➢ TAC members unanimously supported the concept of continuing to explore with the
school department a program that would incorporate Lexpress tickets into the purchase of
a school bus pass. Sara will discuss this idea with Hank Manz as a next step in order to
keep the Selectmen informed. Elaine Celi. will discuss this further within the school
department to determine whether there is enough interest.
➢ With school transportation packages sent out in May, there is a time concern for this year.
➢ Predicted success of this high school pass /Lexpress ticket option is uncertain. Gail
related an unsuccessful two -month pilot routing a Lexpress bus directly to LHS at 5 pm
and 5:30 pm in January and February 2009. Also, Lexpress ridership dropped last month
when after school Spring sports began. Review of driver sheets show decreased student
riders in the favored 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm time frame with no increase in the 4 pm to 6 pm
range.
Human Services proposal to provide direct Lexpress service to and from Housing
Villages and Senior Center
➢ Gail reported that the Human Services' Office requested one designated Lexpress bus
serving all three Housing Villages for arrival between 9:3 Oam and l Dam with departure
between 1 pm and 1:3 Opm. Gail felt that this could not be met due to scheduling
constraints, but that a different timetable, as descried below would accommodate their
needs.
➢ The timetable below was developed with input from the Human Services staff and
reviewed with Charlotte Rodgers prior to the TAC meeting. It would be run as a pilot
program, Mon - Friday, during the month of May.
Board
Lexpress
Arrive
Housing Village
Senior Center
Countryside - NEW
Board Route 2 g9:25am
12:53 pm
Vynebrooke
Stay on bus dropped off at
9:33am
Vynebrooke -NEW
start of Route 1
12:58 pm
Countryside
Board Route 3 @ 9:33 am
9:50am
Greeley —NEW point
Board Route 4 @ 9:55am
loam
to point
Depart
Lexpress
Arrive
Senior Center
Housing Village
Countryside - NEW
Route 1 @ 12:48 pm
12:53 pm
point to point
Vynebrooke -NEW
Route 1 @ 12:48 pm
12:58 pm
point to point
Greeley -NEW point
Route 3 @ 12:46 pm
12:51 pm
to point
➢ Results of the pilot will help guide current senior transportation planning.
➢ TAC unanimously supported the pilot. Until the pilot is run, TAC cannot commit to
incorporating the pilot as a new aspect of scheduled Lexpress service.
➢ Human Services requested a reduced 50¢ fare for the point to point runs. As a special
promotion, Sara raised the issue of a 25¢ fare. It raised a lively discussion regarding the
creation of a Senior gam to 2pm special fare of 25 ¢during non - commuter, low ridership
hours.
➢ Sara will talk to Hank about a 25 cent fare for the pilot program involving the housing
villages.
➢ Gail was asked to check if a permanent Senior, 9 am to 2 pm fare reduction was
permitted under the MBTA policy. Gail was also asked to try and evaluate the potential
loss in revenue if such a fare reduction did not increase senior ridership. This will be
discussed at the next TAC meeting.
➢ Gail will work with Human Services to develop flyers to be delivered to all Housing
Village residents.
Document
Agenda
Recorder: Gail Wagner
Edits: Sara Arnold, Elaine Dratch