HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-22-TAC-minTransportation Advisory Committee (TAC)
Minutes — February 22, 2012
Attendees
TAC Members present: Sara Arnold, Elaine Dratch, Francine Stieglitz, Larry Link, Sally
Castleman
TAC Members absent: Marty Cohen, Bill Levison, Peter Levy
Staff: Jeanette Rebecchi
Liaisons: Nancy Adler, Council of Aging; Hank Manz, Selectman
1. Minutes: Minutes from the December and January TAC meetings were approved with minor
revisions.
2. Lexpress Update
• Review of Lexpress ridership data
• 10 -2pm ridership problem: Jeanette agreed to prepare a list of suggestions to
discuss at a later date. This included creating deviated routes during off -peak hours, a
lunch shuttle to Hayden/Spring St, or a shuttle specifically going to Market Basket.
Larry encouraged the use of surveys to find out where people want to go.
• Scholarships Passes: Jeanette met with the clinical team from Human Services to
discuss the increasing number of scholarship recipients. It was decided that starting
FYI 3, residents will have to meet new graduated income requirements to receive
what will be called a "transit subsidy ". Sara mentioned that they should be aware of
what other subsidies a person might be receiving. For example, does a student
receiving a free school bus pass also need a Lexpress pass?
• Family Passes: The definition of what constitutes a family pass was discussed.
3. Transportation Services Update
• 128 Business Council: Jeanette is meeting with Monica Tibbits to hear about
community membership benefits. The Town has decided to join the Council, and will
try to use the existing $5,000 from the TDM account to pay for the membership so it
doesn't go back into the General Fund.
• Taxi Voucher Program — Lex- Connect: Jeanette provided an explanation of the
program. The contract is anticipated to start on March 12 with a full roll -out starting
April 1 St.
4. MBTA Service Cuts & Fare Hikes: An announcement will be sent out on various
Lexington listserves, reminding people to submit their comments to the MBTA by March 6th.
Sara will write a letter to the MBTA specifically defending the MBTA's Suburban Bus
Program that subsidizes Lexpress. The COA, TAC, COD, Human Services, and others will
be attending the March 1 St Waltham hearing to discuss their specific agendas.
5. Exterior Bus Design: Jeanette announced that it would not be possible to hold an exterior
bus design contest due to time constraints. After speaking with the bus manufacturer, she
found out that he was under the impression that she had the original graphics files for the
exterior. The next steps would be to either recover the original graphics from the previous
manufacturer (Northern Bus /Stonybrook Lettering) or work a graphic designer to create a
new design.
6. Patriots Day Parade: Jeanette suggested recruiting students to participate in the parade this
year. She will be posting flyers on the buses and reaching out to the high school to attract
participants.
7. Next Meeting: Bill will send out a doodle to schedule a meeting in late March or early
April.
Documents: Lexpress Ridership Tables, MBTA Advisory Board Proposal, MBTA Advisory Board
Proposal Summary, Taxi Voucher Program Outline
Recorder: Jeanette Rebecchi