HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-22-TAC-min Minutes to Transportation Advisory Committee
November 22, 2004
■ Saturday Service: We discussed our prior decision to not offer Saturday Lexpress
service during the holidays this year. The ridership last year was very low and TAC
agreed the funds would be better used elsewhere. Gail took TAC's recommendation
as well as additional facts to the 11/22 Selectmen's Meeting. They agreed with our
recommendation.
• Ideas for improving Lexpress ridership: Current focus is on increasing pass sales. One
idea is to promote passes as a stocking stuffer/holiday gift. Further planning will be
driven by a task force who will report at one of the next two meetings if possible,
including Diane, Gail and Sally.
o Diamond has just added an email list. Gail will follow up.
o TMMA website
o Boy Scout troop at St Bridget's. Is there a transportation badge? (Hank
Manz is contact)
o Colonial Times
o COA Newsletter
o Interfaith group
o Ask Jerome of the Center Committee to add Diane to the email list so
TAC can stay informed on agenda items.
■ Lexpress Updates:
o Passengers per vehicle hour increased slightly at 6.2 November month to
date.
o Gail is contacting Patriot Partners regarding the pending receipt of the
$10,000 for FY 2005.
o Gail is working with Eastern Bank to find a way for them to support
Lexpress. One idea is for them to help fund a new and improved map.
o There are contract issues with M&L and costs associated with the fourth
bus. The contract has 2.5 more years. Gail will outline the options for our
next meeting.
• Financial Review:
o We reviewed the state of the financials, including projections for the full
year, as presented by Bill L. There are still many open variables, including
the Patriot Partners payment. We will continue to monitor.
• Guest Speaker--Eric Shapiro
o Mr. Shapiro is proposing a redevelopment project for the Battle Green Inn.
As a result of an inability to make the successful hotel transition from low
budget to mid-level, he is proposing converting the hotel to approximately
35 condos.
o Some of the issues identified are guest parking/overnight parking,
subsidized retail options and increased traffic congestion.
o TAC introduced Mr. Shapiro to the Committee's experience with
residential developers in Lexington and the TDM options, including
supporting Lexpress pass sales and financial support for Lexpress. It was
highlighted that Lexpress is an asset to the proposed mixed-use property
and developer support would signal the recognition of that value.
o We agreed to meet again in January after Mr. Shapiro has completed the
traffic study and more data is available to have a more meaningful
conversation. In addition, TAC will discuss its position on the project at
our next meeting.