Transportation Planning Advisory Group (TPAG)

Contact: Wendy Steinhilber (508) 459-3315

The WRTA has a consumer advisory committee, called the TPAG Special Transit Service Committee, which provides a forum for addressing service related issues that affect the elderly and people with disabilities. The Transportation Planning Advisory Group (TPAG) was first established in 1976. Initially TPAG relied on CMRPC staff to set the agenda and run its meetings. In an effort to become more proactive in directing TPAG activities, in 1998, consumers formulated a new set of by-laws that established an Executive Committee comprised of elected consumers and agency representatives. The Executive Committee meets monthly after its regularly scheduled meeting for more in depth discussion of service issues and to prepare meeting agendas. Working subcommittees convene, as needed, to research and discuss current issues, report back findings and make recommendations to the full membership at monthly meetings. The Committee addresses all types of service issues ranging from compliance with ADA service criteria and suggestions on lowering cancellation rates to improving existing services and advising on new services. The Committee also deals with fixed route bus issues as they relate to elders and people with disabilities.

Representation on TPAG is broadly based including riders, human service agencies representing elder and disabled clients, WRTA service providers, the WRTA Administrator and representatives from the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) who act as staff to TPAG. Commission staff prepares and mails monthly meeting minutes and agendas to over 125 individuals and agencies who have asked to be on the mailing list.

The Committee meets every other month (July, September, November, January, March, May) on the third Wednesday of the month from 1:00 to 2:30 P.M. at the WRTA, 287 Grove Street, Worcester and is open to the public. Free round-trip transportation is available for elders and people with disabilities. You can reserve your ride by calling 508.752.9283. If you would like to place an item on the agenda you may do so by contacting CMRPC staff person Wendy Steinhilber at 508.459.3315 or e-mail wsteinhilber@cmrpc.org.

To view archived TPAG Meeting Minutes, CLICK HERE 

To view upcoming TPAG Meeting Agendas, CLICK HERE