Transit Advisory Committee Vacancy

Transit Advisory Committee Vacancy
Application Deadline Tuesday, October 15, 2024

What is the Transit Advisory Committee?

The Transit Advisory Committee provides advice to city staff on city and state projects related to transit. The Committee gives advice and input to the city on how to improve and promote public transportation. The committee meets to discuss transit service scheduling, infrastructure modernization, expansion and long-term sustainable transit funding. Committee members advocate for a robust public transit system in Cambridge. This includes the transit services of the MBTA, EZRide, and other shuttles in the city.

What is the role of the Transit Advisory Committee?

The recent work of the advisory committee includes:

• Writing letters of support for public transit expansion projects;
• Brainstorming ideas to change or add new bus routes;
• Reviewing street designs for city and state projects;
• Providing feedback on service reliability and improvements;
• Identifying new funding opportunities.

What is the Length of Appointment and Makeup of the Committee?

Committee members serve for two years.

The Advisory Committee is made up of residents and representatives of institutions and organizations with a home in Cambridge. Residents include commuters, people with disabilities, parents, seniors, youth, students, and low-income neighborhood residents.

What Skills are Needed to Serve on the Committee?

Committee members should have an interest in how buses, trains, and subways operate in the city, street design, and infrastructure; professional knowledge is not necessary.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Committee members should also have some experience in engaging their community and working effectively on a team with diverse perspectives and interacting effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

When does the Transit Advisory Committee Meet and what is the time commitment for members?

This committee generally meets for 1.5 to 2 hours on the first Thursday of every month. Most meetings are hybrid and can be joined remotely or in-person at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway. Some meetings include walking tours of transit facilities in the city or site visits to areas with future or active projects. The Transit Advisory Committee has optional subcommittees that meet occasionally to discuss specific state or city projects.

Committee leadership requires some additional time each month for developing the agenda and inviting guest speakers. This may require an additional 30 to 60 minutes a month.

How can I Apply to serve on the committee?

Interested individuals may apply for this Committee through the city’s online portal at Cambridgema.gov/apply. The application deadline is Tuesday, October 15, 2024. A cover letter and resume may be submitted during the online application process. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. If you have questions or require more information, please contact Andrew Reker at 617-349-6959 or areker@cambridgema.gov. For more information, visit: Cambridgema.gov/transitadvisorycommittee.