The AACT Executive Board will meet from 10 AM to noon and the Membership meeting will be conducted from 1:00 PM to 3 PM on the fourth Wednesday of the month, except when noted.
AACT has a page on the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) website at www.bostonmpo.org; click on “Get Involved” then scroll down to “Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA.” Links can be found there for the following items: agendas, upcoming meetings, past meeting minutes, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MBTA and AACT, and the AACT bylaws, and ADA regulations. There are also links to the MPO’s newsletter, TRANSreport, and information on accessibility at the MBTA. This page includes the contact information for the AACT Coordinator.
Comments and questions concerning AACT should be directed to the Chairman James White by contacting the AACT Coordinator, Ms. Janie Guion, at 617-973-7507 (voice); 617-973-7089 (TTY); 617-973-8855 (fax); AACT@ctps.org (email); or at c/o CTPS, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA 02116 (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. Please contact the MPO staff at 617.973.7100 (voice), 617.973.7089 (TTY), 617.973.8855 (fax), or publicinformation@ctps.org.
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 herself/ himself or any specific class of persons has been subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI, ADA, or other non-discrimination statute or regulation may, herself/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.
Members needing service information or wanting to inquire about MBTA services should do so through the MBTA Marketing and Communications Department at 617-222-3200 or 800-392-6100, TTY 617-222-5146, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Sat/Sun from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, or the MBTA website at www.mbta.com/customer_support/feedback/.
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.
James White, Ian Perrault, Lisa Weber, Mary Ann Murray, Allen M. Karon, Richard Mahoney, Kathryn Piccard, Nancy J. Miller, Angela Manerson, Cheryl Ravalli, Joan Canty, Deanne Sisco, Reggie Clark
Also Juanita Bradshaw, Audrey Armand, Melanie Toner, Norma Stenstrom, Stan Edelson; Linda Shepard Salzer, Ways2Go Travel Trainer; Robert Dias, Massachusetts Office on Disability; Theadora Fischer, Human Services Transportation; James Cawley, Work Inc.; James Cassetta, Work Inc.; B.J. Finnell, Keolis Commuter Services; Robert White, Robert White Associates
MBTA Staff:
Frank Oglesby, Larry Haile, Carol Joyce-Harrington, Mike Hulak, Timothy Davis, Heather M. Hume, Phillip Balcom, Laura Brelsford, Kenneth Green
Vendor Staff:
Victor Herrera, National Express-Joint Venture of Thompson Transit; Jacqualyn J. Reynolds, Greater Lynn Senior Services; Kevin MacDonald & Kaitlin Thompson, Veterans Transportation
MPO Staff:
Janie Guion and Matt Archer
Chairman White requested a motion to approve the meeting minutes for December 18, 2013. Mr. Karon made the motion; the motion was seconded and carried with one abstention.
The Chair stated the following:
Mr. Finnell stated the following:
He then asked for questions.
Chairman White stated that AACT would like to work with Keolis in developing training programs. He noted that Keolis reached out to him, while he had not been in touch with Mass Bay Commuter Rail in three years.
N. Miller inquired about who owned Keolis Commuter Services.
BJ Finnell stated that 70% of Keolis is owned by Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer of France and 30% is owned by the Teachers Retirement Board of Quebec.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Finnell for his presentation.
Mr. Cassetta stated the following:
He then asked for questions.
Chairman White asked how individuals can seek employment through WORK, Inc.
J. Cassetta stated that WORK, Inc. just hired a dedicated Human Resources manager for several contracts. He noted that he will send contact information to the Chairman.
K. Piccard stated that there are different standards at different commuter rail stations for the depth of snow required to begin snow removal. She encouraged WORK, Inc. to ask for more uniformity between the commuter rail stations. She asked that priority be given to ramps, platforms, and parking spaces for the disabled.
J. Cassetta stated that WORK Inc. is very accustomed to snow removal. Their standard for the Rose Kennedy Greenway is bare pavement at all the times; they begin removal when it begins to snow, and they stop when it has stopped snowing and the pavement is cleared. He stated that WORK Inc. would be working with Keolis on setting snow removal standards.
A. Manerson noted that attention should be given to ice on steps.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Cassetta for his presentation.
Deputy Chief Kenneth Green, MBTA Transit Police is the night-time Commander and is also in charge of Community Partnerships for the Department.
He noted that he had not prepared a report but would respond to questions.
Chairman White informed the Deputy Chief that parking for THE RIDE vehicles to unload passengers at the Charles Street entrance is very limited. He also stated that the snow had not been removed from the sidewalks.
R. Clark stated that people who sit on the stairs of subway entrances are a tripping hazard to the visually impaired.
Deputy Chief Green stated that this is not allowed; the Transit Police are constantly moving people who sit on the stairs, especially during school vacation. He also noted that all buses will have cameras within a year and half.
A. Manerson asked if the cameras would have audio.
Deputy Chief Green stated that there will be no audio cameras.
Chairman White thanked Deputy Chief Green.
Larry Haile, SWA Coordinator, presented his report with a few additional updates (please see the attached). He stated that there has been a significant increase in system orientation training participation within the first quarter of 2014; much of this is due to interest by public school systems and student agencies. He added that human service agencies have also shown interest.
He then asked for questions.
A. Karon commented that he observed the new bus departure boards at Forest Hills, and he appreciates that Brockton Area Transit has similar signs.
L. Haile noted that the departure boards at Forest Hills Station have an audio feature, which can be activated by pressing a button on the screen.
K. Piccard stated that the information of importance should always be on the front page of the System-Wide Accessibility (SWA) report. Such as the new SWA reports are available in audio upon request
T. Fisher asked how SWA would collaborate with Keolis regarding system orientation for the Commuter Rail.
L. Haile stated that he had not heard from Keolis regarding that subject, but that SWA would be interested. He stated it would be challenging because the site of the trainings has no nearby commuter rail station. He looks forward to talking with Keolis about the training.
BJ Finnell stated he would speak with Mr. Haile regarding trainings.
R. Clark asked if Bowdoin Station will be open while Government Center is undergoing construction.
L. Haile stated Bowdoin Station would be open.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Haile for his report.
Frank Oglesby, Deputy Director of OTA, submitted the OTA report and added the following:
He then asked for questions.
K. Piccard asked where individuals can submit ideas regarding the No-Show/Late Cancellation policy.
F. Oglesby stated that suggestions can be emailed to theride@mbta.com or mailed to THE RIDE offices at 10 Park Plaza, Suite 5750, Boston, MA 02116.
I. Perrault asked if THE RIDE would operate on a late-night schedule when late-night MBTA services are implemented.
F. Oglesby stated it would mimic the fixed-route system for the area within the 3/4 mile corridor.
C. Ravalli asked if she would be charged a fare to go and review THE RIDE vehicles on February 27th
M. Hulak answered that trips to and from the event being held at VTS would be waived as T business for anyone interested in participating.
A. Manerson asked what time THE RIDE has their last pickup.
F. Oglesby stated that service generally stops at 1 AM.
M. Hulak stated people could be picked up at 12:30 AM.
J. Bradshaw asked about THE RIDE’s cancellation policy.
F. Oglesby stated there has not been a decision regarding changes to the cancellation policy. He noted that THE RIDE asks that cancellations be made at least an hour before the scheduled trip. He added that this policy is for chronic offenders, and very few passengers will be affected by this.
Chairman White noted that there is a provision in the ADA that protects passengers from penalty if they cancel a trip due to medical issues.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Oglesby for his report.
Victor Herrera, General Manager, distributed his report and announced Passenger Assistance Trainings (PAT) on March 5 & 6. He congratulated Laura Brelsford on her recent promotion as the new Assistant General Manager for System-Wide Accessibility and to the Kelois Commuter Rail Services on the new contract.
He then asked for questions.
Chairman White asked if there has been an increase in ridership since THE RIDE fare reduction.
V. Herrera stated there has been an increase, though it may be due to improving weather. He noted that they expect an increase.
A. Armand stated that she experienced difficulty with a driver and the order in which he dropped off passengers.
V. Herrera stated that if a situation like this arises, the consumer should speak to the driver so they can contact dispatch. He recommends that a complaint be sent in these situations.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Herrera for his report.
Kevin MacDonald, Project Manager, distributed his report and announced trainings for the month of March.
He then asked for questions.
D. Sisco stated that she cancelled THE RIDE due to snow, but the vehicle still arrived the next day. She asked if this would be considered a no-show.
K. MacDonald stated it would be recorded as a no-show, but as it’s reconciled later, they would go back and make it a cancellation. He noted that the No-Show/Cancellation Policy should not frighten people; the average person who has a few cancellations per year will not be punished.
Chairman White asked if VT has seen an increase in ridership since the fare was reduced.
K. MacDonald stated there have been a handful of days that may have had to do with the weather, but he expects an increase.
Chairman White stated that VT is hosting a public inspection on February 27 to look at sedans that may be purchased by the MBTA and determine which best suits the MBTA’s needs.
N. Stenstrom asked if drivers are required to use GPS.
K. MacDonald stated they have GPS, but may or may not use it depending on how familiar the driver is with the route.
Chairman White thanked Mr. MacDonald for his report.
Jacqualyn Reynolds, MBTA Contract Relationship Manager, distributed her report and had no further updates.
She then asked for questions.
There were no questions.
Chairman White thanked Ms. Reynolds for her report.
Chairman White stated the AACT Board of Directors saw a presentation on the Government Center Station Reconstruction Project, and copies of their material will be made available to the general membership. He stated that the MBTA will report to AACT when the project approaches 40% and 60% completion, and he will make sure this happens during the membership meeting.
K. Piccard stated that text and images should be posted near shuttle bus locations to show how the renovated station will look.
L. Brelsford stated there will be information posted around the construction site, and she will check to see if there will be information near shuttle bus locations. She added that some of the shuttle bus locations will be at existing bus stops.
N. Stenstrom asked about the accessibility of Wollaston Station.
L. Brelsford stated that it is not currently feasible to install an elevator in the station due to water run-off into the station. The MBTA has put forward the beginning of a design package to address the drainage issues of Wollaston Station; as part of that project, they will begin the design of redundant elevators.
J. Bradshaw stated that the Route 39 bus stop for Brigham Circle has been moved and the new stop is blocked by snow.
L. Brelsford stated that for snow and ice removal, individuals should call 617-222-3200 and let them know they have a disability; the snow removal request will get flagged as a priority. The phone line is answered from roughly 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, and on limited hours on weekends. Individuals can also email snowandice@mbta.com.
S. Edelson stated that he feels THE RIDE has certain chronic problems, and he would like to offer his assistance.
Chairman White commented that for personal complaints consumers should contact the Office for Transportation Access (OTA) or THE RIDE vendor. He noted that he reviews all complaints monthly that are forwarded from OTA.
Meeting adjourned at 3:05PM.