10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA. 02116-3968
Voice: 857.702.3658, Fax: 617.570.9192
TDD: 617.570.9193, E-mail: AACT@ctps.org
Chairman – James F. White
Vice Chairman – Lisa Weber
Nadine Jones
Mary Ann Murray
Beverly Ann Rock
James Tozza
Lisa Weber
Jim White, Lisa Weber, Jim Tozza, Beverly Ann Rock, Dee Whittlesy, Sylvia Mekler, Debbie Weathers, Reggie Clark, Bill Corcoran, Kevin Wilson, Nadine Jones, David Vieira, Jennifer Smith, Elizabeth Crocker, Lynn Hutchins, Tom Gilbert, Christine Daniels, Angie Manerson
Dana Nye, Mike Hulak, Rob Sampson
Elizabeth Hickey, Kevin MacDonald, Victor Herrera, Steve Epps, Brian Overcash
Janet Maloof
September 27, 2017
Minutes were approved unanimously.
He stated the following:
Jonathan Kapust, Highway Project Manager, HNTB, stated the following:
He then asked for questions.
B. Corcoran asked about the frequency of benches throughout the project area. J. Kapust stated there will be many benches, although none of them are currently installed. In part, this is because the contractor wants to complete sidewalk construction before bench installation.
Chairman White stated when travelling from Forest Hills station toward the courthouse, there are no wheelchair ramps to exit the sidewalk. This resulted in him moving between jersey barriers and travelling against traffic. He suggested installing a temporary ramp in the area.
J. Kapust stated that the lack of crossings is intentional; however he noted that this is not currently signed properly.
D. Vieira asked when construction will be complete. J. Kapust stated that the contractor has agreed to have the project “substantially complete” by the end of 2017; this means that all paths of travel will be constructed, though some additional elements will be incomplete. The full project will be completed in full in 2018.
A consumer asked for more information about the permeable paver.
J. Kapust stated the permeable paver will catch moving water, preventing icing on the sidewalk and bike path.
J. Podesva asked if there are tactile strips between the bike paths and sidewalks. J. Kapust stated that there are.
T. Gilbert asked about the configuration of crossings at intersections. J. Kapust stated that each crossing has separated ramps for the intended direction; the detectable warning panels do not necessarily point to the opposing destination, depending on the geometry of the roadway. He noted that in locations where sidewalks and bike paths converge, there are indicators for cyclists on the correct route of travel; this brings cyclists to their own ramp. He noted that at the ends of the bike paths, there are tapered bike lanes and signage to slow cyclist travel. Cyclists and pedestrians also have separate signals.
Thomas Rovero, Project Manager, MBTA Capital Delivery, stated the following regarding the upper busway canopy project at Forest Hills station:
Chairman White thanked Mr. Kapust and Mr. Rovero for presenting before AACT on short notice.
Rob Sampson, Manager for System-Wide Accessibility, reported the following:
He then asked for questions.
D. Vieira expressed appreciation of the new bathrooms at Back Bay station. However, he noted that the men’s and women’s rooms switched position during construction. He noted a lack of warning for persons with visual impairments, and asked why this decision was made. R. Sampson stated he will investigate the issue.
T. Gilbert stated that stop announcements on the Orange Line are consistently poor. He noted that stop announcements are often poorly timed. R. Sampson empathized with Mr. Gilbert’s frustrations and thanked him for the feedback.
A. Manerson stated that MBTA station staff should identify themselves when offering help to persons with visual impairments. R. Sampson stated this is included in MBTA training, and acknowledged that it is frequently overlooked. He asked that customers report such incidents.
Chairman White stated that AACT normally has an opportunity to provide comment on new MBTA vehicles. He asked if they would have the opportunity to view the new Orange Line car prototype.
R. Sampson stated he would investigate, noting that AACT will likely be involved in testing.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Sampson for his report.
Mike Hulak, Manager of Paratransit Contract Operations, submitted the OTA report and stated the following:
He then asked for questions.
B. Corcoran asked if their subsidy for Uber and Lyft trips had increased. M. Hulak stated that there was a slight increase specific to the pilot program.
A. Manerson asked why the address for sending checks and money orders has changed. M. Hulak stated the MBTA has made a business decision to have all checks and money orders sent to an outside agency to be processed. He added that they can assist her with the new process.
Dana Nye, Community Outreach Coordinator, stated that she had no updates or reports but was available to answer questions.
T. Gilbert stated that cars continue to park in the bus zone at the Holden Street and Boston Avenue bus stop in Medford. D. Nye stated she will give this information to the Deputy Chief, who can inform the northern shift of the Transit Police and possibly reach out to the Medford Chief of police.
J. Smith Workman asked if there will be a greater police presence at the Forest Hills station when construction is completed. D. Nye stated there is an officer assigned to Forest Hills sixteen hours a day, but during afternoon school breaks there is generally extra coverage.
A consumer asked how many officers are assigned to Park Street, and asked if they handle issues outside of the station. She also asked if fencing in the area has an effect on security. D. Nye stated that Transit Police have full and concurrent jurisdiction over Park Street with Boston Police; however, Transit Police’s priority lies with MBTA property. A task force in the area has been assigned to provide accessibility and deter criminal elements. However, Transit Police cannot assign an officer to Park Street all day. She added that she is unsure of the effects of the fencing.
Elizabeth Hickey, Manager and Title VI/ADA Enforcer, stated the following:
She then asked for questions.
A. Manerson asked for details of the NS construction. E Hickey stated that there will be a covered pathway to protect customers from the elements when crossing over to North Station.
Chairman White thanked Ms. Hickey for her update.
Ray Croteau, General Manager, distributed his report and asked for questions.
B. Corcoran stated that some drivers do not ring his doorbell; rather, dispatch places a phone call. He stated that this is not effective. He added that he has scheduled pickup times and had them changed slightly when he called back to confirm the time; this could lead to missed trips. R. Croteau stated that drivers are supposed to come to the door at every trip. If a driver cannot locate a customer, they are supposed to call dispatch and send a no-show message; at that point, dispatch calls the customer.
J. Tozza stated that during the AACT meeting, he received a phone call from TRAC stating that his RIDE vehicle was on its way; this was an hour before he had scheduled his pickup. R. Croteau stated he will investigate the issue.
J. Smith Workman stated that geographic knowledge should be incorporated into training, as she has experienced a lack of such knowledge among dispatch and scheduling. R. Croteau stated that the scheduling department has much experience; the least senior staff member has five years of experience. He acknowledged that dispatch has less experience. If he identifies issues with staff, he works to address them. He noted that GCS has hired a new trainer from Veterans Transportation. GCS continues to refine their standard operating procedures and ensures that each employee has this information.
L. Weber asked what the specific responsibilities of TRAC staff are daily. R. Croteau stated that TRAC is responsible for four parts of trips: booking, scheduling, dispatching, and archiving. Vendors are responsible for the drivers and vehicles.
T. Gilbert asked if GCS could send a representative from their MBTA customer service department in addition to a TRAC representative. Chairman White asked that he send his question to the AACT coordinator.
D. Weathers suggested that dispatchers do a ride along with drivers to give them a better understanding of operations. R. Croteau stated that the best dispatchers are former drivers.
B. Corcoran was concerned that his RIDE vehicle was nearby according to a call from TRAC. He noted that the vehicle did not arrive for over an hour. R. Croteau stated he would speak with Mr. Corcoran after the meeting.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Croteau for his update.
Kevin MacDonald, Project Manager, distributed his report and announced passenger assistance training (PAT) on November 7.
He then asked for questions.
L. Hutchins described two incidents in which she had difficulty reaching VT. K. MacDonald stated he would speak with her after the meeting and research the issue.
D. Weathers asked when VT will transition to TRAC. M. Hulak stated that a transition date has not been selected at this point.
B. Corcoran stated TRAC instructed him to call VT directly to set up a transfer. This has not previously occurred. He asked if this is the standard process. K. MacDonald stated that TRAC should have called on his behalf. M. Hulak confirmed this.
Chairman White thanked Mr. McDonald.
Steve Epps, Director of Transportation, distributed his report and announced PAT training on November 3. Those interested in attending should contact the AACT coordinator.
He then asked for questions. There were none.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Epps for his report.
Victor Herrera, Operations Manager, distributed his report and announced PAT training on November 1, adding there will likely be an additional class toward the end of the month.
He then asked for questions.
J. Smith Workman stated that she has noticed drivers’ frustration with having two distant pickup locations at the same time. V. Herrera stated this is an issue that needs to be addressed with scheduling personnel.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Herrera for his report.
J. Smith Workman suggested that GCS take input from drivers about pickups. She also asked if there was a bid regarding work hours.
M. Hulak stated there is currently a bid to adjust the work hours for the current service demand.
D. Vieira stated that Veterans Transportation could not find 10 Park Plaza during a trip request, and was told to call TRAC; he experienced the same difficulty with TRAC. He stressed that reservationists need to be aware of frequently used locations. M. Hulak stated that all high frequency zones, including 10 Park Plaza, are landmarked in the database. However, some individuals need to be re-trained.
Chairman White stated that reservationists used to follow a script when taking calls, ensuring that they asked the same questions every time. He noted that TRAC staff does not seem to be following this script, and stressed that this needs to be corrected. M. Hulak agreed with Chairman White and stated that there is a script they should follow. He added that Mr. Croteau will take this back to his staff.
R. Clark noted the negative effect of poor on-time performance on customers who take the RIDE to work. M. Hulak agreed and stated that on-time performance is a key element that TRAC needs to improve.
T. Gilbert asked if MBTA staff could attend an AACT meeting to explain how the announcement system on the new Orange Line cars will work. Chairman White stated AACT will continue to work with SWA.
D. Vieira stated that MBTA staff at Forest Hills will not open the rear doors of buses for persons with passes. Chairman White acknowledged the issue and stated he will pass this information along to the MBTA.
A. Manerson asked when the new Orange Line trains will begin operations. R. Sampson stated that they will not be delivered until late 2018.
None were presented.
AACT Executive Board will meet from 10:00 AM to 12:00PM and the Membership meeting will be conducted from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on the fourth Wednesday, of the month, except when noted.
Notices of AACT meetings are posted on the website of the MBTA at http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/public_meetings/. Visit the MPO’s calendar page at http://www.bostonmpo.org/calendar/month to find AACT agendas, meeting minutes, and past meeting minutes. For more on AACT, see the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MBTA and AACT, the AACT Bylaws, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations at http://www.mbta.com/aact.
Also, find articles about topics discussed at AACT meetings in the MPO’s newsletter, TRANSREPORT, at http://www.bostonmpo.org/transreport. For more information on accessibility at the MBTA, please visit www.mbta.com/accessibility.
The MBTA Customer Call Center is NO longer located at 10 Park Plaza to receive walk in customer comments, concerns and inquiries. Please visit the MBTA website at www.mbta.com to submit your comments, concerns and inquiries. You may also call to speak with a Customer Service Representative.
6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday/Sunday
(617) 222 – 3200
(800) 392 – 6100
TTY (617) 222 – 5146
Comments and questions concerning AACT should be directed to Chairman James White by contacting the AACT Coordinator, Ms. Janie Guion, at 857.702.3658 (voice) 617.570.9193 (TTY), AACT@ctps.org (email), or c/o CTPS, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA 02116 (US mail).
The AACT meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities and is near public transportation. Upon request (preferably two weeks in advance of the meeting), every effort will be made to provide accommodations such as assistive listening devices, materials in accessible formats and in languages other than English, and interpreters in American Sign Language and other languages.
The MPO complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal and state non-discrimination statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. The MPO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, English proficiency, income, religious creed, ancestry, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or military service. Any person who believes her or himself or any specific class of persons has been subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI, ADA, or other non-discrimination statute or regulations may, her or himself or via a representative, file a written complaint with the MPO. A complaint must be filed no later than 180 calendar days after the date on which the person believes the discrimination occurred. A complaint form and additional information can be obtained by contacting the MPO (see above) or at www.bostonmpo.org.
Announcements are always welcome. Please be prepared to give as many details as possible: date, time, location, contact person, and phone number. A written notice is always appreciated.