HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-30-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes
Meeting Date: August 30,2007
Attendees: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Mary Ellen Dunn, Bill Hadley, Bill Levison,
Hank Manz Danny Moraff, Francine Stieglitz, Gail Wagner
School Administration Bus Policies
Mary Ellen Dunn, Assistant Superintendent of Finances and Revenues for the School Dept, attended the
TAC meeting upon the request of the town manager. Ms. Dunn explained the residents are paying full
cost of school buses for the first time; current rate is $600 per student with a family cap of$1,600.
Students exempted from payment are those in K- Grade 6 with a two-mile minimum commute to school
or families with financial needs as defined by the federal poverty guidelines. As of July 20, there is a
newly created position of school transportation coordinator. Last year 22 buses were ordered for school
transportation by the School Dept and this year a total of 14. With many late enrollees, capacity issues
and bus routes confusion are occurring. But, Ms. Dunn confirmed that routes to LHS still had capacity.
School Bus Policies Impact on Lexpress
Since July, pass sales were tracked by rider's home routes. A few days before the start of school there
was a large increase in pass sale requests by parents who wished to use Lexpress for transportation to
Lexington High School. Parents attributed their interest to the increase cost of the school bus fees. Due
to concerns that pass sales would exceed bus capacity, Gail enacted a temporary moratorium on pass
sales on August 27 until Sept 12 after consulting with her supervisor, Bill Hadley. Bill informed the
town manager who requested Bill to make an announcement at the Selectmen's Meeting that night. Due
to a Town Hall email problem, incoming and outgoing mail was not being received that day which
prohibited TAC notification.
A statement was posted on the town website and Gail collected applications from interested pass buyers.
Gail is closely monitoring the first routes into LHS for ridership and arrival times.
Options for AM School Transport to LHS
MBTA Routes 62 and 76 servicing Lexington are viable depending on home location. It was suggested
the Liberty Ride could be brought into service prior to its scheduled 10am start time. Given crowding on
Lexpress Route 6, analysis of home addresses to determine if Route 5 could incorporate some streets
was suggested. Advancing start time on Lexpress routes going into LHS so that all students arrive before
the 7:45 late bell was raised. The Lexpress RFP calls for increasing or decreasing hours. However,
Joseph's stated that it would require a 4-hour minimum payment to add a bus. Gail to seek the opinion
of the town's contract officer.
Prepared by: Gail Wagner
Next meeting TAC meeting: September 11, 5:15 pm, Town Hall Offices, G-15