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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-21-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee Date: January 21, 2010 Members Present: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Larry Link, Francine Stieglitz, Staff: Gail Wagner. Guest: Howard Silver Public Comment Period — Afternoon Servcie to Diamond Middle School ➢ Howard Silver, father of Diamond Middle School student, suggests extending Lexpress Rotues 5 and 6 after school to go directly to the school. ➢ Mr. Silver has found support for the idea when presented to parents on the School Council and principal. ➢ Gail will explore feasibility of running routes 5 and 6 late in the afternoon; commuter traffic on Middlesex Turnpike can create delays that may hinder the feasibility of this. ➢ Mr. Silver will explore the end time of after school activities and will continue to solicit feedback from staff and parents. ➢ Neither Mr. Silver nor his child has ridden Lexpress. Free tickets will be provided to encourage his child and fellow Diamond students to ride Lexpress for feedback. ➢ Lexpress tests route ideas; if thought to be feasible, they are subject to a trial period. Last winter, late day service directly to LHS was tried. If a Diamond late afternoon run is found feasible, a test period to track riders will be initiated. Town Meeting ➢ Rezoning is being sought to expand Countryside Manor on Woburn Street north of Lowell Street. Under the Town's new TDM negotiations, it is unclear in what format TAC can raise transportation issues. ➢ Countryside Manor is on the Planning Board's Feb 3 agenda. Lexpress Community Outreach ➢ Larry is identifying community outreach paths. The following were noted: Senior Center, real estate agents, GWAC, interfaith groups, and churches supporting environmental issues, such as Hancock Congregational. ➢ Larry continues to explore Lexpress reminders for the TMMA website. ➢ Developing Lexpress slogans. Example from early years, "Lexpress Yourself." Public Access TV ➢ Town Communications Committee is applying for a Public Access TV license. ➢ All town committees have been asked for programming suggestions. ➢ Public Access TV presents a publicity opportunity for Lexpress. ➢ LHS students might have interest in a video project under public service requirement. ➢ Larry will review RFP and compose a response. Patriots Parade ➢ COA may try a walking theme this year. Gail will discuss with COA director. ➢ Lexpress will consider new ideas, such as an environmental and /or youth theme. Lexpress Ridership ➢ FYI 0 riders are fewer than FY09 for the past few months. Senior riders continue to increase. ➢ Route 3 Express at 7:45am had a single rider five of the last six service days. TAC checked rider counts in the early years of Lexpress. Recorder: Gail Wagner Editor(s): Bill Levison