HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-10-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes
Meeting Date: May 10, 2007
Attendees: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Eric Eid Reiner, Danny Moraff, Pat
Goddard, Francine Stieglitz, Gail Wagner
Bus Design
Sara enlisted the assistance of Lili Silvera to develop a design for the exterior of the new buses.
Eric volunteered to ask a friend about design assistance. And, Gail will develop a basic design
concept as a fall back position. The design deadline is estimated to be late-May. Due to
concerns, the exterior color was changed to a lighter shade of blue.
Stabilization Fund
Town Meeting approved the creation of a Lexpress Stabilization fund and appropriated money
for the upcoming fiscal year. Until the Starwoods one-time payment of$200,000 is received in
2008, interest revenue will not accrue in the Stabilization fund.
Route Changes
Gail is working on updating the Lexpress schedule and map to reflect the route changes
approved by the Selectmen on April 23. Updated schedules will be sent with the Lexpress annual
pass renewal letters in early-June.
Fare/Pass Structure
As raised at the April TAC meeting, it is anticipated that annual school bus fees will increase to
$450 with a family cap of$900. Since July 2006, the Lexpress annual General pass is $300 and
Family Pass is $650. The pros and cons of adjusting Lexpress fares/passes was discussed and it
was decided that the current fee structure will continue for the upcoming fiscal year.
Ridership
April ridership was less than March due to school vacation. Based on past years, May should
reflect ridership numbers close to March. Gail commented that October, March and May are
traditionally the best month in term of ridership. A Lexpress bus will be on display at the DPW
Open House on May 24. The Lexington Retail Association will run Lexpress service for
Discovery Day, May 26, 10am until the completion of the 3:30 routes. There will be no Lexpress
bus on display, but the Lexpress board announcing free Discovery Day rides will be displayed.
Student Representative
Based on information from the Selectmen's Office, TAC student members can be voting
members. Danny Moraff, a high school student, will join TAC. Inactive TAC members will be
contacted to update the TAC roster.
Reading, MA Transit Proposal
Sara was contacted by the Reading transit study group and was asked to attend a meeting. Sara
will offer assistance including a possible joint Lexington TAC meeting, but is unable to go to
Reading given her work and civic schedule.
Next Meeting: June 14, 7 pm, Cary Memorial Hall, Bird Room (second floor)
Prepared by: Gail Wagner