MPO Meeting Minutes
Draft Memorandum for the Record
Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization Meeting
December 21, 2023, Meeting
10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Zoom Video Conferencing Platform
Eric Bourassa, Vice Chair, representing the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) agreed to the following:
See attendance on page 7.
There was none.
T. Teich stated that applications for the TIP are open through December 31, 2023.
T. Teich stated that staff are soliciting ideas for transportation studies and technical assistance, through a survey that closes on February 1, 2024.
Steve Olanoff, Three Rivers Interlocal Council (TRIC), stated that the Canton–Dedham Steet corridor project was recently completed in the TRIC subregion.
Josh Ostroff, Town of Newton, stated that the NewMo microtransit service will be discussed later in the meeting during the discussion on the agenda item on the FFYs 2024–28 TIP Amendment Three. He thanked the MPO for its support.
Jen Rowe, City of Boston (Boston Transportation Department), stated that the TIP Process, Engagement, and Readiness Committee met to discuss the NewMo microtransit service and the FFYs 2025–29 TIP Universe of Projects.
L. Diggins stated that the previous meeting of the Advisory Council featured a workshop on the Performance-Based Planning Dashboard and a discussion of Unified Planning Work Program study ideas.
1. November 2, 2023 meeting minutes (pdf) (html)
A motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of November 2, 2023, was made by the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) (J. Rowe) and seconded by the Town of Arlington (John Alessi). The motion carried.
1. FFYs 2024–28 TIP Amendment Three (pdf) (html)
E. Lapointe stated that Amendment Three proposes a scope change for Newton’s Newton in Motion (NewMo) service. E. Lapointe discussed the service background of NewMo. E. Lapointe reviewed ridership trends and the impact of scope changes.
E. Lapointe stated that the scope change focuses on providing service to seniors and persons with disabilities and is no longer serving all groups, as stated in original applications. The service area has expanded slightly, while the same service hours were offered. The scope change will allow for a more conservative approach to be taken to the service, in order to ensure it long-term success.
L. Diggins asked about the importance of the unique rider metric in microtransit services. E. Lapointe stated that this is a method to evaluate the quantity of converted vehicle trips.
E. Bourassa clarified that this amendment is a scope change, but funding is retained at the same level.
Ken Miller, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), asked if the MBTA’s The Ride operates in Newton. K. Miller stated that the FHWA has requested performance metrics from microtransit service operators. K. Miller asked if means testing is used to evaluate eligibility for NewMo service. J. Ostroff stated that riders who use the service are asked to provide confirmation that they are involved in other means-tested programs, such as subsidized housing or Mass Health.
Melisa Tintocalis, North Suburban Planning Council (Town of Burlington), asked how the NewMo service can be seen as a model for future microtransit services. E. Bourassa stated that the Community Connections program is an opportunity to pilot new projects. E. Bourassa stated that an observed challenge is finding opportunities to fund microtransit projects beyond the initial pilot period that the MPO programs.
Ali Kleyman, MBTA, asked if there have been conversations with nearby employers to contribute to funding the NewMo service. J. Ostroff stated that employer contributions have been limited to date and that the City is looking to develop a diverse funding stream for the service.
L. Diggins asked what is necessary to ensure success of the service. J. Ostroff discussed potential future directions that NewMo and other microtransit services can move towards.
J. Rowe asked what resources the MPO could contribute to advancing learning of best practices for microtransit services. E. Lapointe discussed the existing agencies with ongoing investigations into microtransit shuttles.
A motion to release the FFYs 2024–28 TIP Amendment Three for its 21-day public review period was made by the North Suburban Planning Council (M. Tintocalis) and seconded by the Advisory Council (L. Diggin). The motion carried.
1. FFYs 2025–29 TIP Project Universe (pdf) (html)
E. Lapointe stated that the project universe was discussed in more detail at the December meeting of the TIP Process, Engagement, and Readiness Committee. E. Lapointe stated that the project universe contains an individual line item for each project that may seek funding in the Boston region in the near future.
E. Lapointe stated that the FFYs 2024–28 TIP allocated $150.2 million to 21 new projects, funding a total of 58 projects with $697.5 million in Regional Target funding. There has been a downward trend in applications received; most applications have been directed to smaller dollar value programs, such as Community Connections. E. Lapointe discussed the lifecycle of a project that passes through the MPO for funding. Key thresholds for funding include project initiation and scoping to qualify for the Project Design Pilot, approval by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) Project Review Committee to apply for construction funds, and 25 percent design status as a superior candidate for funding.
Summary information about the project universe can be found in Table 1.
Table 1
FFYs 2025–29 TIP Project Universe
|
Subregion |
Total in |
Complete |
Intersection Improvements |
Bicycle/ Pedestrian |
Major Infrastructure |
Community Connections |
|
ICC |
46 |
18 |
8 |
11 |
6 |
3 |
|
MAGIC |
15 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
|
MWRC |
10 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
NSPC |
10 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
NSTF |
18 |
12 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
SSC |
7 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
SWAP |
23 |
11 |
7 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
|
TRIC |
14 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
E. Lapointe stated that a list of projects seeking funding will be shared in January.
J. Rowe stated that the City of Boston is working on Bluebikes applications for the Community Connections program and discussed other future projects to pursue.
E. Bourassa asked how the TIP universe has changed since the last year. E. Lapointe stated that the universe increased by 38 projects.
A. Kleyman asked how projects applying for the Project Design Pilot will be evaluated. E. Lapointe stated that scoring criteria is the same for construction projects, with the acknowledgement that the level of detail for these projects will be lower than that of projects further along in the design process.
1. Examining Curb Use Changes in the Boston Region (pdf) (html)
S. Fox stated that that this study built on past work, which provided examples of curb management strategies and a guidebook of best practices for planners. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of data collection and analysis strategies and provide municipalities with tools and guidance. Staff examined two case studies: Porter Square, Cambridge, and Moody Street, Waltham.
S. Fox stated that the City of Cambridge initiated its Porter Square project in the summer of 2022 with the objective of achieving a safe street design for people of all ages and abilities. The redesign resulted in a decrease of 13 metered parking spaces, upgraded bike lanes, the addition of a 30-minute loading zone, and an accessible parking space.
S. Fox stated that data was collected before and after the redesign throughout various times of the day and days of the week, and she discussed assumptions made in the study. The analysis focused on changes in parked vehicle totals, changes in occupancy percentage, changes in paring duration, and changes in authorized parking.
S. Fox stated that Moody Street in Waltham has been closed to vehicular traffic from May 1 to October 31 every year for the last few years, intending to create more space for safer outdoor dining and to support local businesses. In this case study, staff sought to develop methods to address questions about whether pedestrianizing actions led to parking demand exceeding supply and if the changes have resulted in a more efficient use of public space. S. Fox stated that staff conducted an occupancy analysis of parking.
S. Fox stated some lessons learned from this study: limited case studies may not provide sufficient data for inferential statistical methods; it is best to focus on broader statistics and trends; it is important to be mindful of resources and time management strategies; and it is important to consider the wider study area rather than only the specific corridor.
David Koses, City of Newton, discussed the environment needed for pedestrianizing streets such as Moody Street. S. Fox stated that it would be beneficial to better understand the perspectives of residents and business owners near innovative curb spaces.
E. Bourassa asked what influenced the decision to count the people using additional curb space, instead of the cars. T. Teich stated that the use of a person metric offers a way to shift the perspective of how a space can be used most efficiently.
Tom Bent, Inner Core Committee, asked if the number of parking spaces lost was tracked. S. Fox stated that Porter Square lost 13 metered parking spaces and gained a loading zone. T. Bent asked if business owners were consulted in the study. S. Fox stated that this would be useful information in a future study.
Derek Shooster, MassDOT, discussed the Future of the Commonwealth Curb Study, inspired by Phase I of the Future of the Curb study, and commended staff for their work.
A. Kleyman stated that a follow-up study could examine the analysis of curb usage when converted into a bus lane.
There were none.
A motion to adjourn was made by the Advisory Council (L. Diggins) and seconded by the Town of Arlington (J. Alessi). The motion carried.
|
Members |
Representatives and Alternates |
|
At-Large City (City of Everett) |
|
|
At-Large City (City of Newton) |
David Koses |
|
At-Large Town (Town of Arlington) |
Claire Ricker |
|
At-Large Town (Town of Brookline) |
Erin Chute |
|
City of Boston (Boston Planning & Development Agency) (BPDA) |
Jim Fitzgerald |
|
City of Boston (Boston Transportation Department) |
Jen Rowe |
|
Federal Highway Administration |
|
|
Federal Transit Administration |
Leah Sirmin |
|
Inner Core Committee (City of Somerville) |
Tom Bent |
|
Massachusetts Department of Transportation |
Derek Krevat John Bechard |
|
MassDOT Highway Division |
|
|
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) |
Ali Kleyman |
|
Massachusetts Port Authority |
Sarah Lee |
|
MBTA Advisory Board |
|
|
Metropolitan Area Planning Council |
Eric Bourassa Julia Wallerce |
|
MetroWest Regional Collaborative (City of Framingham) |
Dennis Giombetti |
|
Minuteman Advisory Group on Interlocal Coordination (Town of Acton) |
|
|
North Shore Task Force (City of Beverly) |
Darlene Wynne |
|
North Suburban Planning Council (Town of Burlington) |
Melisa Tintocalis |
|
Regional Transportation Advisory Council |
Lenard Diggins |
|
South Shore Coalition (Town of Hull) |
|
|
South West Advisory Planning Committee (Town of Wrentham) |
Rachel Benson |
|
Three Rivers Interlocal Council (Town of Norwood/Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce) |
Tom O’Rourke Steve Olanoff |
|
Other Attendees |
Affiliation |
|
Miranda Briseño |
MassDOT |
|
Ron Chick |
|
|
Daniela Espinosa |
BPDA |
|
Glenn Geiler |
MBTA |
|
Joy Glynn |
MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) |
|
Marah Holland |
MAPC |
|
Sandy Johnston |
MBTA |
|
Raissah Kouame |
MassDOT |
|
Jackie LaFlam |
Cape Ann Transportation Authority |
|
Adi Nochur |
MAPC |
|
Josh Ostroff |
City of Newton |
|
Cheryll-Ann Senior |
MassDOT |
|
Judy Shanley |
Easterseals |
|
Derek Shooster |
MassDOT |
|
Tyler Terrasi |
MWRTA |
|
MPO Staff/Central Transportation Planning Staff |
|
Tegin Teich, Executive Director |
|
Logan Casey |
|
Annette Demchur |
|
Sophie Fox |
|
Ryan Hicks |
|
Dave Hong |
|
Jia Huang |
|
Stella Jordan |
|
Ethan Lapointe |
|
Erin Maguire |
|
Rose McCarron |
|
Rebecca Morgan |
|
Srilekha Murthy |
|
Gina Perille |
|
Sarah Philbrick |
|
Bradley Putnam |
|
Sean Rourke |
|
Judy Taylor |
|
Sam Taylor |
|
The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) operates its programs, services, and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and related statutes and regulations. Title VI prohibits discrimination in federally assisted programs and requires that no person in the United States of America shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency), be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that receives federal assistance. Related federal nondiscrimination laws administered by the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, or both, prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, sex, and disability. The Boston Region MPO considers these protected populations in its Title VI Programs, consistent with federal interpretation and administration. In addition, the Boston Region MPO provides meaningful access to its programs, services, and activities to individuals with limited English proficiency, in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation policy and guidance on federal Executive Order 13166. The Boston Region MPO also complies with the Massachusetts Public Accommodation Law, M.G.L. c 272 sections 92a, 98, 98a, which prohibits making any distinction, discrimination, or restriction in admission to, or treatment in a place of public accommodation based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or ancestry. Likewise, the Boston Region MPO complies with the Governor's Executive Order 526, section 4, which requires that all programs, activities, and services provided, performed, licensed, chartered, funded, regulated, or contracted for by the state shall be conducted without unlawful discrimination 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. A complaint form and additional information can be obtained by contacting the MPO or at http://www.bostonmpo.org/mpo_non_discrimination. To request this information in a different language or in an accessible format, please contact Title VI Specialist By Telephone: For people with hearing or speaking difficulties, connect through the state MassRelay service: · Relay Using TTY or Hearing Carry-over: 800.439.2370 · Relay Using Voice Carry-over: 866.887.6619 · Relay Using Text to Speech: 866.645.9870 For more information, including numbers for Spanish speakers, visit https://www.mass.gov/massrelay. |