Memorandum for the Record

Regional Transportation Advisory Council Meeting

February 8, 2023, Meeting Minutes

2:30 PM–4:10 PM, Zoom

Lenard Diggins, Chair, representing the MBTA Ridership Oversight Committee (ROC)

Meeting Agenda

1.    Introductions

L. Diggins called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM. Members and guests attending the meeting introduced themselves. (For attendance list, see page 4.)

2.    Public Comments

There were none.

3.    Discussion of MPO Equity Work—Betsy Harvey, MPO Staff

Betsy Harvey, MPO Staff, discussed the MPO’s Transportation Equity program and the work that is done beyond federal requirements. B. Harvey presented the MPO’s 2022 Title VI Triennial Report to the MPO Board on January 19, 2023. Title VI reporting necessitates that no inequitable decisions are made for the future but does not have any mandate to address existing and historic inequity. Through a variety of studies, the MPO is working to develop a baseline of equity measurements in the region by identifying needs and developing metrics to then analyze the metrics and evaluate the outcomes of MPO work.

Next steps include the development of the Destination 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan Needs Assessment, as well as the development of additional metrics to assess existing inequities, and the establishment of processes to regularly update and communicate this work through the Transportation Equity program.

Discussion

Franny Osman, Acton Transportation Advisory Committee, asked how equity data can be used to evaluate equity within corridors. B. Harvey responded that municipalities should reach out to staff for specific, up-to-date data.

Jon Strauss, Town of Burlington, asked how the available online data applications can be used to support transportation proposals.

Andy Reker, City of Cambridge, asked how the MPO will incorporate engagement in the equity program, especially people in suburban areas. Stella Jordan, MPO Staff, responded that staff has begun using the equity data to ensure that engagements gaps are identified and addressed.

John McQueen, WalkBoston, noted that the MAGIC subregion, while minimally represented in equity applications, faces significant challenges providing accessible transportation for the elderly and people with disabilities.

4.    Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Study Proposal Discussion—Srilekha Murthy, MPO Staff

Srilekha Murthy provided an overview of the UPWP development timeline and encouraged attendees to participate in a brainstorming session for UPWP study ideas.

Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2024 UPWP themes are equity, resiliency, safety, and uncertainty.

Attendees participated in a brainstorming activity listing themes or topics that should be prioritized in the upcoming UPWP. Common themes were access, equity, public transit, connectivity, and Vision Zero.

Discussion

F. Osman stated that it would be helpful to be updated on the outcomes of UPWP studies that the Regional Transportation Advisory Council has suggested in past years. Ana Cristina Fragoso, Boston Society of Civil Engineers, added that a report showing how studies have been implemented would be valuable. Tegin Teich, Executive Director of MPO Staff, responded that previous attempts have been made to follow up on the outcomes of studies to limited success. T. Teich stated that the MPO is exploring ways to proactively connect communities to study results, following their completion.

5.    Approval of Meeting Minutes

A motion to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2022, October 12, 2022, and November 9, 2022, meetings was made by WalkBoston (J. McQueen) and seconded by MoveMass (Jon Seward). The minutes were approved.

6.    Chair’s Report—Lenard Diggins, MBTA ROC

L. Diggins discussed topics covered in January 2023, MPO meetings. Topics include the Title VI report, Public Engagement Plan, roadway pricing work program, and parking policy.

7.    Old Business, New Business, and Member Announcements

There was none.

8.    Adjourn 

A motion to adjourn was made by the Acton Transportation Advisory Committee (F. Osman) and seconded by WalkBoston (J. McQueen). The motion carried.

 

Attendees

Member Municipalities	Representatives and Alternates
Cambridge	Andy Reker
Needham	Rhain Hoyland
Weymouth	Owen Macdonald

 

Citizen Advocacy Groups	Representatives and Alternates
Acton Transportation Advisory Committee	Franny Osman
American Council of Engineering Companies	Fred Moseley
Boston Society of Civil Engineers (BSCES)	Ana Cristina Fragoso
MBTA Ridership Oversight Committee (ROC)	Lenard Diggins
MoveMassachusetts	Jon Seward
WalkBoston	John McQueen

 

Agencies (Non-Voting)	Attendees
Boston Transportation Department	Jennifer Rowe
MWRTA	Tyler Terrasi

 

Other Attendees	Affiliation
Daniel Carty	Town of Sudbury
Lil Hartman	Town of North Reading
Holly MacMullen	Conservation Law Foundation
Daniel Martin	Town of Brookline
Mike Miller
Marc Older
John Strauss	Town of Burlington

 

MPO Staff/Central Transportation Planning Staff
Tegin Teich, Executive Director
Logan Casey
Betsy Harvey
Stella Jordan
Srilekha Murthy
Sam Taylor