Draft Memorandum for the Record
Access Advisory Committee to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (AACT) Membership Minutes
1:00 PM–3:00 PM, State Transportation
Building, Suite 2150
10 Park Plaza, Boston
Voice: 857.702.3658; Fax: 617.570.9192; TDD:
617.570.9193
email: AACT@ctps.org
Chair—James F. White
Vice Chair—Lisa Weber
James Tozza
Nadine Jones
Mary Ann Murray
Beverly Ann Rock
Lisa Weber
Debbie Weathers
Jim White
Gail Weinstein
Mel Weinstein
Ellen Frith
Nadine Jones
Joyce Kilgore
Jim Tozza
Thomas Gilbert
Christine Daniels
Sharon Harrison
Ronda Tepfer
Reggie Clark
Carol Joyce-Harrington
Mike Hulak
Rob Sampson
Sgt. Benjamin Carrasco
Lisa Darlington
Victor Herrera
Kevin MacDonald
Elizabeth Hickey
Ray Croteau
Julia Wallerce
James White, Chair, reported on the following items.
· Chair White apologized for his absence in April.
· He recently attended a Paratransit Task Force meeting.
· He announced that the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board has awarded The RIDE Access Center contract to Transdev/IntelliRide with service to begin as of June 1, 2018.
· A motion to approve the AACT meeting minutes of April 25, 2018, was rejected by Carol Joyce-Harrington, Office for Transportation Access, who noted that on page four lines 16 through 25 are being opposed. Corrective action will be taken.
· A motion to approve the AACT meeting minutes of March 28, 2018, was approved unanimously.
Julia Wallerce, Boston Program Manager for the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy (ITDP), shared the following information.
· BostonBRT is an initiative comprised of academics, elected officials, advocates, residents, and transit agencies. Its mission is educating and informing people about bus rapid transit.
· Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is an emerging mode of mass transit in the United States. Cities including Hartford, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles have BRT systems.
· BRT is a customer-oriented, highly efficient method of mass transit. Its defining feature is dedicated lanes; buses do not mix with traffic and generally operate in the middle of the roadway. Buses have intersection priority and transit signal priority, for example, a signal may remain green if a bus is approaching. BRT also features off-board fare collection, enclosed stations, and platform level boarding.
· BostonBRT advocates BRT as a method to address congestion, reliability, and access in the Boston region. Buses currently carry more than 450,000 people per day in the region, but suffer from extreme delays and access problems.
· In 2017, BostonBRT released an RFP for cities to test elements of BRT to show the impact on travel time, speed, accessibility, and overall satisfaction. Four communities were selected to receive grants toward this end: Arlington, Everett, and Cambridge and Watertown together. ITDP has coordinated these projects.
· Everett has five bus lines running along Broadway, connecting multiple communities and carrying 7,500 people per day. In 2017, Everett piloted a dedicated bus lane in the mornings; due to the success of the pilot, this has become permanent. Between 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM, buses on Broadway operate in the parking lane and do not mix with traffic.
· In a step toward BRT, Everett is using its grant to introduce level boarding platforms. Stepping onto the bus is a barrier toward bus travel; the step is high, and kneeling buses (buses which lower to allow easier access) are time consuming. By providing a level platform, people in mobility devices or those with mobility barriers can easily access buses. Everett will be the first city in the United States to pilot this type of platform. The platform was custom designed and will be installed in June 2018. Two bus stops will have level boarding platforms. ITDP will evaluate the impact of the platforms both quantitatively and qualitatively.
· She encouraged AACT members to engage with BostonBRT, including participation in “before and after” videos about the pilot.
Jay Monty, Transportation Planner for the City of Everett, provided further details about the Everett pilot program.
· The City of Everett has worked on improving bus service over the past year. The primary reasons for the improvements are economic development and accessibility. Everett does not have rail service; as such, bus is an important amenity to improve and grow the community.
· People with or without mobility issues frequently struggle to enter buses. In addition to personal impacts, this also results in loss of efficiency. One of the key features that make the Red Line and Orange Line efficient is level boarding, allowing easier access for persons in mobility devices; buses in the United States do not currently have this advantage.
· Representatives from Everett spoke with several vendors who specialize in bus bulb-outs, which are sidewalk extensions that allow for greater visibility for pedestrians. The height of a bus is roughly the height of two sidewalks; as such, the level boarding platforms will be installed on top of the current sidewalks to match the height of buses. This will allow for all-door boarding, which the current kneeling buses prevent.
· One challenge is that raising the sidewalks will affect adjacent businesses, namely doorway access. For this pilot, Everett has selected locations that will not affect business and are two of the busiest stops.
· While the level boarding platforms will initially be run as a pilot, they will stay in place if the pilot is successful.
Andrew McFarland, Community Engagement Manager for LiveableStreets Alliance, shared the following information.
· At the 2017 AACT-MBTA Summit, several attendees commented on accessibility issues at bus stops. This project will help address these issues. He encouraged riders to provide feedback on the pilot; community feedback will make it easier to propose similar projects in other communities.
They then opened the floor for questions and discussion.
T. Gilbert raised concerns about the platforms, noting that different bus models have different heights. R. Clark expressed similar concerns. J. Monty stated that they worked with the MBTA on the issue. Sidewalks also vary in height; kneeling buses cannot fully reach lower sidewalks. Noting that most buses have some ability to kneel, if a bus has a 14-inch height and the platform is 12 inches, buses can kneel to match that height. He added that while these platforms will not completely address this issue, it will still be a vast improvement. J. Wallerce added that this will better allow BostonBRT to “tell the story” of the situation following the pilot and highlight potential improvements in future pilots.
G. Weinstein asked if the vehicles will be driverless and asked about the potential implications of driverless vehicles, including what would happen in the event of mechanical malfunction. J. Wallerce stated the vehicles will not be driverless. Buses and current infrastructure will not be modified, apart from the installation of the platforms; service will be unchanged. She added that mechanical malfunction on buses will be addressed in the same manner of current bus operations. J. Monty noted that the chance for mechanical malfunction will likely decrease, as buses will not need to raise and lower.
G. Weinstein asked if any drivers will lose their jobs. J. Wallerce stated they will not, adding that drivers on the affected routes will receive additional training. Drivers are a valuable resource for feedback on the pilot, as they directly engage with passengers.
Chair White asked about the design of the platform with regard to persons with visual impairments. J. Monty stated the platform will have tactile warning strips around the edges.
R. Tepfer asked where the platforms will be located. J. Monty stated they will be located at the Broadway and Everett Square stops; one will be located in front of the Rite-Aid (northbound), the other will be located across the street (southbound).
Vice Chair Weber requested that BostonBRT continue to seek feedback from stakeholders, including residents, businesses, drivers, and advocates. She added that each community is different, and encouraged BostonBRT to approach BRT differently depending on the challenges posed by each community.
T. Gilbert stated that in areas where dedicated lanes are not feasible, bus stops with correct lengths could improve bus boarding. J. Wallerce stated that the MBTA Better Bus Project is an opportunity to provide this type feedback, though this is not what BostonBRT is addressing.
L. Weber expressed concern that “efficiency” can result in overcrowded buses. J. Wallerce stated that the customer experience is a central driving force behind BRT; it is not about loading more passengers onto buses, but rather improving access and providing more efficient bus travel.
Chair White stated having a cash option for fare payment causes delays. Moving to a cashless system will improve efficiency. J. Wallerce stated that Automated Fare Collection 2.0 will allow for further steps toward BRT in various corridors around Boston.
Jessica Podesva and Vice Chair Lisa Weber provided an update on the Accessible Transportation Committee (ATC).
·
AACT will host the last meeting on June 27,
2018.
·
The new ATC will launch in July 2018.
·
AACT will merge with the new ATC, making for a
bigger and better group.
·
The makeup of the new committee will consist of
general membership with an executive board but will function differently than
the AACT.
o
Executive Board will consist of six individuals
and five organizations.
o
Each organization will select one representative
to serve on the Board.
o
First meeting will include only the five organizations.
J. Podesva explained that for the prior 10 years, two groups have been unofficially working together for persons with disabilities to advise the MBTA on accessibility issues. L. Weber noted that both groups have done a good job but that the two groups will serve together more strongly as one to carry on the next phase of the settlement.
J. Podesva opened the floor to questions and discussion.
J. Tozza noted his interest in serving on the new ATC Board. J. Podesva noted that the group will hire a coordinator and that there is no process in place at this time. She also mentioned that the new ATC administrator will be in charge of those applications for the Board.
Vice Chair Weber shared the following information regarding AACT and its transition into ATC.
·
AACT received a letter from Luis Ramirez, MBTA
General Manager and CEO, about the merger of the two groups. (Please see the
attached letter.)
·
Members in attendance are encouraged to continue
on and become members of the new ATC.
·
The group is working on logistics and meeting
times. Members are encouraged to share their ideas about locations noting that
meetings will continue at 10 Park Plaza.
·
The documents for the Memorandum of
Understanding and bylaws are still being reviewed.
·
The key message is that nothing is being lost,
but gaining a lot with more opportunities to share in the topics that you want
to hear.
·
There have been many changes since the formation
of AACT such as the Boston Center for Independent Living Settlement, the
Paratransit Task Force and most notably the Fiscal and Management Control
Board.
·
The two groups combined helps to improve
communication between the stakeholders and the MBTA.
· The June 2018 meeting will include an acknowledgement of AACT and recognition of the group for its hard work and many accomplishments.
· Members are encouraged to bring any pictures that may highlight AACT over the years.
Mike Hulak, Manager of Paratransit Contract Operations, submitted the OTA report and provided the following updates.
· He announced that the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board has awarded The RIDE Access Center contract to Transdev/IntelliRide with service to begin as of June 1, 2018.
· Customers interested in the UBER/LYFT pilot should visit www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride/on-demand-pilot.
· He congratulated Lisa Darlington, former Acting Director of Transportation, who has been named Director of Transportation. He applauded her for doing double duty since the retirement of Steve Epps.
M. Hulak opened the floor to questions.
R. Tepfer asked if the UBER/LYFT pilot would extend beyond July 1, 2018. M. Hulak explained that no extension of the pilot has been announced.
D. Weathers asked whether or not the same dispatchers and other staff were going to remain with Transdev/IntelliRide. M. Hulak explained that some staffers will be remaining with additional training.
J. Kilgore asked if THE RIDE allows return trip modification. M. Hulak explained that dispatch has to be contacted for changes. It may or may not be possible.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Hulak for his report.
Sgt. Benjamin Carrasco, Community Outreach, reported on the following information.
· Sgt. Carrasco was informed by the Superintendent for Bus Operations that action would be taken about a bus problem reported last month at a Harvard Square bus stop.
Sgt. Carrasco then opened the floor to questions.
T. Gilbert commented that persons who knowingly illegally park at bus stops make it hazardous, dangerous, and prevent safe
access. He suggested that members contact their state politicians and local
municipalities to do more at the State level to enforce the 2010 Bus Stop Access Law.
D. Weathers stated that she is concerned when there is no station
ambassador on duty [at a train station] as she had experienced a card
malfunction. She fears being arrested for not swiping her card. Sgt. Carrasco explained that someone who
had an outstanding warrant on file may be arrested. He suggested that the callbox
in stations be used to report concerns to customer service. He noted that many
of the stops are not staffed with ambassadors because of budget constraints and
that some smaller stations do not have the same passenger volume as larger
stations.
T. Gilbert expressed his thanks to the sergeant for more patrols at South Station. Sgt. Carrasco noted that they have assigned five officers to the station during the peak hours.
Chairman White thanked Sgt. Carrasco for his update and sent greetings to Chief Green.
Rob Sampson, Manager for SWA, shared updates on the following items.
· The MBTA has approved funding for the new priority seating signs.
· Installation of the signs will begin September 2018 and continue into January 2019. (Please see attached.)
· The MBTA buses currently have automated messages that announce priority-seating information. He added that bus drivers are required to ask patrons to relocate if someone needs priority seating; a move is voluntary.
· R. Sampson announced that Judge King will be hosting the semi-annual meeting on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.
He then opened the floor to questions and discussion.
R. Clark noted that there will still be problems exiting the bus because passengers refuse to move to the rear of the bus. R. Sampson noted that he is aware of the problem and that operators should request that passengers move to the rear of the bus.
J. Tozza asked about getting new buses for the North Shore in Lynn. R. Sampson noted that the compressed natural gas (CNG) buses need to be near the fueling pumps here at the Cabot garage.
T. Gilbert explained that while at Park Street Station, the countdown board eastbound was not working properly. R. Sampson noted that he will report the malfunction.
Chairman White thanked Rob Sampson for his update.
Lisa Darlington, Director of Transportation, distributed her report and announced that a new-hire class will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. She also noted that the next Passenger Assistance Training (PAT) class is scheduled for Monday, June 4, 2018.
She opened the floor for questions. There were none.
Ray Croteau, General Manager, Global Contact Services, submitted his report and asked for questions. There were none.
Victor Herrera, General Manager, submitted his report and announced a PAT class on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.
He then asked for questions. There were none.
Kevin MacDonald, Project Manager, submitted his report and announced a PAT class on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.
He then asked for questions. There were none.
Elizabeth Hickey, Manager, Diversity, Inclusion, and Title VI, shared the following information and answered questions.
· On May 26, 2018, the commuter rail spring/summer schedule will be released with few changes. Hard copies are available at South and North stations and online from the MBTA Keolis app.
· Track diversions.
o Busing continues during midday on the Canton-Stoughton Line on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (no impact on rush hour); the project completion is scheduled for July 2018.
o Accessible shuttle bus services during weekends for Morton and Readville stations; off and on during the weekend depending on the bridge construction.
o All shuttle buses are accessible.
· E. Hickey expressed gratitude to Debbie Weathers, AACT member, for bringing to the attention of KCS Customer Service Department a dangerous issue at the Talbot Avenue station stop. She noted that corrective action was taken with additional signage posted on platforms for warnings and a request was submitted for additional MBTA Transit police patrols during rush hour.
A consumer asked for an explanation of the KCS weekend reduced fare. E. Hickey explained that she is not very familiar with that project, which is being handled by the KCS Marketing Department.
R. Clark asked for an update on the Franklin shuttle. E. Hickey explained that service will not begin before July and that she will make an announcement at the next meeting.
C. Daniels stated that at the April meeting there was no notice about a Lowell shuttle. E. Hickey explained that notices may come out after she has attended a meeting. She expressed her apologies for the inconvenience.
Judge Patrick King
Semi-Annual Public Hearing
Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Transportation Board Room 2nd
Floor
Address: The State Transportation Building
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA, 02116
None was presented.
None was presented.
Future meeting locations/dates and times for the newly formed community
engagement group will be announced via email distribution, using the former
AACT distribution list, and on the T website.
The meetings will be accessible to people with disabilities and via
public transportation. Assistive listening devices will be available at the
meeting site. Every effort will be made to provide other accommodations, such
as materials in accessible formats or languages, or interpreters in American
Sign Language upon advance request of 15 days of the scheduled meetings. In the
interim, please contact MBTA’s System-wide Accessibility office at 617-222-5237
or email swa@mbta.com with any additional questions or concerns.
The MPO complies with
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and other federal and state nondiscrimination statutes and regulations in
all programs and activities. The MPO does not discriminate based on race,
color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), religion,
creed, gender, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, veteran’s status (including Vietnam-era
veterans), or background. Any person who believes herself/himself or any
specific class of persons to have been subjected to discrimination prohibited
by Title VI, ADA, or another nondiscrimination statute or regulation may,
herself/himself or via a representative, file a written complaint with the MPO.
Complaints filed under federal law (based on race, color, national origin
[including limited English proficiency], sex, age, or disability) must be filed
no later than 180 calendar days after the date the person believes the
discrimination occurred. Complaints filed under Massachusetts General Law
(based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual
orientation, disability, or ancestry) or Governor's Executive Order 526,
section 4 (based on race, color, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin,
disability, veteran's status [including Vietnam-era veterans], or background)
must be filed no later than 300 calendar days after the date 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.