A Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) representative told the Concord Commission on Disabilities that TAC has condensed earlier, lengthy studies into a brief “transportation and mobility vision” intended to drive implementation rather than more planning.

“The goal is safe and efficient movement of all people within and beyond comfort to their destinations,” the presenter said, stressing implementation-focused actions and asking for commission support and public input.

The presenter described three priorities: a concise vision document, a TAC plan for initiating local public-transit service, and follow-up on Junction Park signage and safety after prior TAC meetings. He said the initial Stantec contract produced survey findings and high-level recommendations but that TAC pushed staff and consultants toward more implementation-oriented work in a second contract focused on quantifying pavement-management needs and sidewalk conditions.

TAC flagged a proposed pavement-management borrowing plan that would span five years and is likely to request “on the order of” $5 million to $6 million per year; the presenter said those figures were not finalized and would be refined by public works, the town manager and the finance director ahead of public hearings and town meeting. He framed the borrowing as an investment to keep roads in maintainable condition and to avoid more expensive full reconstructions later.

The presentation also addressed broader scope beyond repaving, including intersection improvements, drainage and ADA-compliant sidewalks. The presenter said Concord currently lacks a dedicated transportation staff member and that existing staff (town planner Elizabeth Hughes and town engineer Steve Dutra) are supporting the effort while stretched thin.

On public transit, TAC reviewed regional models — local buses in Bedford, Lexington’s fixed routes and remnants of a Crosstown Connect service — and urged the commission to help compile targeted local input. The presenter outlined a three-step approach: gather comparative information on what nearby towns have done; select options that are achievable and appropriate for Concord; and pursue implementation and funding mechanisms, possibly via regional partnerships or contracted operators rather than the town directly hiring drivers.

Commissioners and community-affiliated members urged TAC to reach people directly rather than rely solely on online surveys. Speakers noted groups less likely to respond to online outreach — including residents at Peter Bulkeley Terrace and Everett Gardens and clients served by local nonprofits — and suggested in-person engagement, employer outreach (the presenter suggested consulting large local employers) and letters of support ahead of TAC’s Dec. 19 meeting.

TAC also revisited Junction Park bicycle routing and signage. The presenter said multiple pavement signs directing cyclists to dismount and historic park signage suggesting a straight-through path have created confusion; he referenced a 2015 fatal collision at an MBTA crossing as part of the safety context and recommended clearer, context-appropriate signage and design solutions.

The commission did not take formal votes on any items. Next steps identified in the meeting included TAC continuing work with consultants and staff to finalize pavement-management figures and TAC’s call for commission support at the TAC meeting on Dec. 19. The commission scheduled its next meeting for Jan. 23.