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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-10-18-TAC-min Transportation Advisory Committee Minutes -- October 18, 2004 Bob Bicknell, Lexington Housing Coalition Goal: Home Ownership in Lexington for those with limited income Independent political action group formed to deal with financial and planning issues not addressed by LexHab or Lexington Housing Authority. Planning for the Middlesex State Hospital development was the catalyst. League of Women Voter, church groups and Planning Board were instrumental in organizing. Goal to incorporate members of business community (banks, realtors, developers) as well as community groups. Comprised of 17 voting members appointed by the Selectmen for 3-year terms. Some non- voting, liaisons representing other committees (LexHab, Housing Authority, Planning Board). Considerations in organizing Mobility Action Group Purpose: Improve mobility for people who live and/or work in Lexington Basis of starting group: Vision 20/20 Report, Planning Dept. Transportation Element Possible Members: Church groups, Avalon Bay, School Committee, Realtors, Enablement Committee, C & W Transportation, Town Transportation Coordinator--"smart people who can think outside the box" Organizing: Speak with each Selectmen independently to get their ideas and support Create name for committee that attracts new supporters Staff support would be very useful. Noted that in past Transportation Coordinator's duties emphasized more planning issues. Job redesigned to include general DPW coordination(parking lots, traffic safety,parking permits). Importance of Regional Outlook ACTION—statewide group to change policy(example, increase gas tax to promote public transit) MAGIC, MBTA (attend meetings), Mass Rides (formerly Caravan), 128 Business Council, and outreach to neighboring towns { LEXPRE S S Passes Prorated passes throughout the year are currently sold. Practice to be evaluated for next year policy. Prorated versus set periods (one, three, six months). Ridership—Time to rebuild Although ridership increased with the return of six routes, it has not rebounded to the FY03 figures. Seniors and students are lower in particular. Possible reasons: Lexpress not included in students transportation packet last spring because of the impending override and Lexington culture that emphasizes use of private cars. Plan to increase ridership: Maintain community presence Complaints A few residents on streets (Bertwell, Hillcrest, Baker) where Lexpress retuned under the six- route system have complained; don't want buses on their streets. Route evaluation by Lexpress drivers is planned in future months. Stops on Mall Road in Burlington will also be reviewed. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) —Patriot Partners Article 10 of Town Meeting 2004 is the basis of TDM agreements Does TAC want to seek the $50,000 noted in the $100,000 Patriot Partners escrow account? Planning Board has asked for about $50,000 from this account for traffic study Marrett/ Spring. Patriot Partners annual TDM contribution should start this year. As initial step, Gail Wagner will send letter to Patriot Partners requesting name of on site transportation coordinator (as stipulated by Article 10). Planning Committee Attended by Don Graham and Bill Levison. Center Committee distributed Center Parking Plan. Sara Arnold suggested to TAC Lexpress shuttle from the Town Pool (Worthen Rd) to Center.