HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-16-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes
Meeting Date: August 16,2007
Attendees: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Pat Goddard, Bill Levison, Eric Eid Reiner,
Danny Moraff, Francine Stieglitz, Gail Wagner
Acknowledgements
Fred Rosenberg, a Lexpress founder, TAC member, and long-term advocate, is leaving Lexington and
was recognized for his efforts throughout the years. Eric Eid Reiner was honored for his service as a
public transit advocate and student TAC representative, as he leaves for college. And, Emily Pittore was
recognized for her volunteer efforts in developing the new Lexpress bus design.
Lexpress FY07 Review
Compared to the prior year, Lexpress ridership was up 11% and revenues up 18%. The rider/vehicle
hour ratio improved to 7.2 per hour. Based on these measures, Lexpress had a very productive year.
New Contract
The new contract began July 1. Gail reported that the transition has gone well. The site supervisor was
described as very conscientious and drivers courteous. Environmental aspects were questioned. Due to
environmental credits, the Lexpress' engines did not come under the more environmentally stringent
guidelines. Gail is to inquire as to the use of low sulfur fuel with the contractor. Low sulfur fuel was not
specified in the RFP. Gail commented that the Lexpress buses are comparable to buses used by other
communities.
Lexpress Schedules
Gail is working with the printer and hopes the schedules will be ready in the next few weeks. New
schedules should be mailed with the October tax bill.
Pass Sales
Student pass sales are being tracked by routes and indicate that the first runs of the day on Routes 2, 3
and 6 going to LHS are near capacity. Gail recommended that a cap be placed on passes sold based on
specific routes. TAC felt there should be no limit to the passes sold since there is no rule as to maximum
capacity, which is largely determined by the drivers' discretion.
Alewife Parking
The Alewife parking garage routinely exceeds capacity early in the day during the weekdays and thus,
discourages use of public transit. Recent renovations at the lot have further limited available parking
exacerbating the problem. It was suggested that parking in the Lexington Depot Square lot could
encourage use of the MBTA buses 62 or 76 to Alewife. Gail commented that the Depot Square lot
routinely exceeds capacity at mid-day and therefore, cannot be promoted as an Alewife parking
alternative. Given the MBTA debt, expanding parking at Alewife is unlikely. It was noted that most
MBTA parking areas, as well as park and ride lots, are maxed out.
Interactive Computer Route Program
Danny Moraff developed an interactive Lexpress route program through Google Transit. Danny gave a
demonstration. He hopes to further refine the program to include the MBTA Lexington Routes 62 and
76. The route program was previously demonstrated for Selectperson Jeanne Krieger and Candy
McLaughlin, town web master. The town web site will serve as the host for Danny's program. It should
be operative within the next few weeks.
Prepared by: Gail Wagner
Next meeting TAC meeting date was not determined