Committee Report - T&P - 2-21-12 — File 192602

February 21, 2012 Traffic and Parking Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 2/23/2012 REPORT OF THE TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived William M. Roche Chair Present Robert C. Trane Vice Chair Present Tony Lafuente Ward 4 Alderman Absent Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Omar Boukili Administrative Assistant Present Matthew Dias Director of Traffic and Parking Present • PUBLIC HEARING on Green Cab’s request for a fare increase (Item #192273) Attorney Richard DiGirolamo, representing Green Cab, spoke in favor of the petition and explained that this was the first request for a fare increase since 2007. Since that time, there have been increases in the cost of fuel and insurance and improvements have also been made to the fleet of cabs operated by his client. Several other individuals spoke in favor of the petition and there were no speakers in opposition. The Public Hearing was closed. Alderman Trane's motion that the Traffic and Parking Department investigate more efficient ways to lay out cab stands at the Davis Square MBTA stop, was approved. 192109 - That this Board requests that the Traffic Commission consider extending visitor parking from 48 to 72 hours.: See notes for item #192503, below. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192273 - Green Cab requesting consideration from this Board for a taxi fare increase.: The Committee voted to approve an increase in the first eighth of a mile to $1.75 (up from $1.50), and an increase in additional eighths of a mile to $0.45 (up from $0.40).

Committee Meeting February 21, 2012 Traffic and Parking Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 2/23/2012 RESULT: APPROVED 192428 - That the Director of Traffic and Parking consult with the Traffic Engineer to determine the feasibility of Cross Street East being a one way from Broadway to Mystic Avenue.: RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192503 - That the Director of Traffic and Parking perform a cost benefit analysis on the proposal to increase visitor passes from 48 to 72 hours and report the findings to the Committee on Traffic and Parking.: Mr. Dias discussed ways that parking in Somerville is more convenient, as opposed to Cambridge and Boston. The Administration likes the idea of increasing the time limit for visitor parking but does not want to hurt the city financially. The city is able to accommodate any visitor for a period of 30 days and will be providing an online permit store to assist in that effort. Alderman Trane requested that a list of the available parking permits be provided to the committee. Mr. Dias stated that he foresees a significant impact to the city if the visitor parking is extended to 72 hours. There was also a discussion about the types of violations seen in various parts of the city and of efforts to track that data. The committee requested that Mr. Dias report back to the committee by May 1st. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 192504 - That the Chief of Police conduct sting operations on non-licensed cabs and report the results to the Committee on Traffic and Parking.: Alderman Trane discussed the problem of gypsy cabs operating in the city and the Clerk of Committees was directed to send a communication to Police Chief Pasquarello and Deputy Chief Upton to request that information on this matter be provided to the committee. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 192510 - Director of Traffic and Parking responding to various Board Orders.: RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 192537 - That the Commissioner of Public Works repair the light on the traffic island directly in front of 252 Medford Street.:

Committee Meeting February 21, 2012 Traffic and Parking Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 2/23/2012 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED