HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-06-06-TAC-minTAC Minutes
Meeting Date: June 6, 2005
Attendees: Sara Arnold, Sally Castleman, Bill Levison, Eric Eid Reiner, Francine Stieglitz, Gail Wagner
Lexington Charette/ Lexington Center Collaborative
Bill is representing TAC at the Lexington Charette on June 11. The purpose is to generate ideas to improve
Lexington Center. Preliminary meetings have emphasized parking as the main transportation issue. Bill
developed a power point presentation that gives an overview of the Town's transportation services and TAC's
involvement. Discussion raised the issue of pedestrian safety, especially at Center crosswalks. Of particular
note, was the crosswalk located at the western corner (Eastern Bank) of Depot Square. Balancing walking,
biking and vehicles is a challenge compounded by the presence of Mass Ave, a major traffic route. Centralized
bike racks near Depot Square were suggested to alleviate bikes on Center sidewalks.
LEXPRESS Outreach
Pass applications were part of the public school transportation packet mailed in May. Pass renewal letters are in
the process of being sent to current pass holders. A Minuteman article will announce pass sales and summer
services. A Lexpress bus was present at the DPW Open House and Discovery Day that presented opportunities
to answer questions and distribute bus schedules. Gail is developing a transit guide format that would include a
larger and colored representation of the six Lexpress routes. Eastern Bank will be approached for a contribution.
Library Summer Promotion
Library notices to patrons routinely list free Lexpress rides for preschoolers and accompanying adults when
riding to and from sponsored library programs. A library card is shown in lieu of fares. The Library included
this statement in announcing its summer reading program; thus, expanding the promotion to all children. Gail
felt that based on preschool participation tracked by the drivers an extension to all children would not result in
large numbers. The library's summer theme "Going Places" could be linked to Lexpress service as the means to
get you there. TAC approved the extension of free Lexpress rides for children to and from sponsored library
events for the summer.
Liberty Ride
Francine informed TAC that the Disability Commission approved the Tourism Committee's request to use non -
handicap buses with a reservation system for handicap participants. Gail was asked to review the ADA
guidelines, explore impact on Lexpress, if any, and to inform Linda Vine.
Spring Street Traffic Study
The Planning Dept has hired a consulting firm to solicit public input and define conditions at the Spring - Marrett
intersection. The study is funded by Lexington Technology Park's TDM money. Bill and Gail plan to
participate. A public meeting will be held on June 28.
Lexpress Bus Design
Lexington citizens, Lili Silvera and Reid Zurlo, have been recruited to help in the design process. Sara arranged
a meeting for June 1 at Town Hall. Lili worked on earlier Lexpress design projects and many samples on file
were attributed to her. Lili presented a preliminary design incorporating many small ads in an eye catching
frame sequence. Reid noted a community sensitivity to the cost of funding Lexpress service and that a new
design should not be extravagant. Contractor's funding of a new design must be emphasized so that town funds
are not assumed as the source. Reid found most citizens' she polled did not feel that Lexpress design was an
issue because of general lack of interest in the service. A second meeting is planned for June 15.
Senior Transportation Options
COA and FOCA are to invite TAC to discuss senior transportation issues.
Next TAC meeting: June 20, 7pm, Town Hall, Room 111