HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-03-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes
Meeting Date: April 3,2006
Attendees: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Elaine Dratch, Francine Stieglitz, Gail Wagner
Starwood TDM Negotiations
TAC recommended an annual contribution of$70,000; cost of running Route 4 minus
fares along with an annual CPI adjustment and payment in perpetuity. Starwood found
the sum"stunning." Subsequently, the Traffic Mitigation Group (TMG) as
recommended by TAC proposed $35,000 to support half the cost of operating Route 4,
which was also dismissed by Starwood. At a subsequent TMG meeting Starwood
representatives proposed a$20,000 annual payment with no CPI and five-year review by
zoning board. The term"perpetuity" was objected to strenuously.
The TMG voted not to support the Starwood Transportation Demand Management
(TDM) plan, which set an unacceptable financial cap for all mitigation measures.
Funding was found to be inadequate to address pedestrian/bike paths, pedestrian signal
upgrade at Marrett Road/Mass Ave, and Lexpress annual contribution.
General Pass Fares
The Lexington Schools annual bus pass was recently increased to $400 per pass with a
family cap of$800, if purchased prior to June 1. Since students purchase most Lexpress
General Passes, it was decided that a fare increase was indicated. A 20% increase of all
General Passes will be recommended to the Board of Selectmen. An annual General Pass
would increase from $250 to $300 and an annual Family Pass would increase from $550
to $625. In addition to annual passes, the fare structure will include one, three and six
month passes. Prorated passes throughout the year will no longer be offered.
Override Reduction of$50,000
Given a significant FY07 budget deficit,the Selectmen are recommending to Town
Meeting an override list. As an identified override item, Lexpress had to identify a
$50,000 budget decrease. After review of various reduction strategies over the past
month, TAC approved:
July 1 to August 25
• Lost service: 7-8 a.m. and 6-6:30 p.m.
August 28 through September 1
• NO service
September—June
Lost service: 11am to Noon and 6-6:30 p.m.
School Transportation Packet
Despite uncertainties regarding Pass Fares and service reductions, TAC felt strongly that
a Lexpress flyer should be part of the upcoming school transportation mailing. It was
decided that a pass application would not be included. Reference to pending General and
Family Pass increases and possible schedule adjustment as of July 1 will be made in the
Lexpress flyer. This strategy was reviewed and approved by the Town Manager's Office.
Next TAC Meeting: April 4, 7pm, Town Hall, Room G-15
Prepared by Gail Wagner