Somerville Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC)
Somerville Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC) is a Mayor-appointed body that works alongside City staff to improve conditions for pedestrian and transit riders in Somerville, promote walking and taking transit as means of transportation, and guide city plans and policies to create a safer and more equitable built environment for walking and taking transit.
PTAC was established in 2020 as part of Somerville’s Vision Zero Action Plan, which forms the basis of the City’s commitment to multi-modal road safety. PTAC is made up of community representatives who have an active interest in pedestrian- and transit-related issues, as well as ex-officio members from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD)’s Mobility Division and City Council.
PTAC’s activities include reviewing and making recommendations on City plans for street reconstruction, assessing the impact of major development projects on walking and transit, creating and facilitating venues for public engagement on City plans and infrastructure including events and digital outlets, and working with other pedestrian and transit organizations at the local, state, and national level.
PTAC meets on the third Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Meetings are held virtually until further notice, and are open to the public. Volunteer inquiries are always welcome.
Follow PTAC on Twitter for the latest updates, additional resources, and engagement opportunities.
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Members
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Agendas, Minutes, & Meeting Slides
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Bylaws & Annual Reports
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Advocacy Letters
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Get Involved
Members
Community Representatives
- Ted Alexander
- Ginny Alverson
- Caroline Bodager
- Meredith Brown
- Thomas Coen
- Laura Evans
- Christopher Ferry
- Mary Napolitano
- Audrey Orenstein
- Vitor Pamplona (Vice-Chair)
- Zach Rosenberg
- Alessandra Seiter (Chair)
- Julia Toof
- Carole Voulgaris (Secretary)
- Kristen Walters
Ex-Officio
- Ali Kleyman (OSPCD Mobility)
- Justin Schreiber (OSPCD Mobility)
- J.T. Scott (City Council, Ward 2)
Bylaws & Annual Reports
Advocacy Letters
- November 1, 2021 - Letter supporting MA House bills on automated enforcement (H.2532, H.2426, & H.2494); sent to MA Representatives Christine P. Barber, Mike Connolly, and Erika Uyterhoeven
- November 1, 2021 - Letter supporting MA Senate bill on automated enforcement (S. 1545); sent to MA Senator Patricia D. Jehlen
- December 20, 2020 - Letter supporting increased budget and staffing for Somerville Mobility Division; sent to Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone
- December 4, 2020 - Letter opposing MBTA service cuts in Forging Ahead initiative; sent to MA Representatives Christine Barber, Mike Connolly, & Denise Provost; MA Senator Patricia Jehlen; MBTA Fiscal & Management Control Board Chairman Joseph Aiello; and MassDOT Secretary Stephanie Pollack
Get Involved
Attend a Monthly Meeting
PTAC meets on the third Thursday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Meetings are held virtually until further notice. The link to join each meeting will be available in the agenda, which will be posted on the City’s website in advance of the meeting. If you’d like to attend a meeting and need accessibility accommodations or have other questions/concerns, please email transportation@somervillema.gov.
Join Somerville PTAC
PTAC periodically solicits applications for membership and submits recommendations for appointment to the Mayor. Additionally, community members may apply to join Somerville PTAC through the following process:
- Attend a minimum of six monthly committee meetings in a two-year period (see calendar below), and actively participate in other committee activities.
- Declare interest in becoming a member at a monthly committee meeting, and obtain the endorsement of the current membership through a simple majority vote. The current membership will then submit their recommendation for appointment to the Mayor.
- Write a letter to the Mayor, expressing interest in becoming a member and detailing any relevant experience.
- If appointed by the Mayor, arrange a time with the City Clerk to be officially sworn in as a member.
Give Feedback on City Projects
Review background and details, participate in online surveys and find upcoming community meetings on City projects related to pedestrian and transit planning.
- Mobility Division - City department responsible for projects related to walking, biking, and riding transit in Somerville.
- SomerVoice - the City's online engagement platform.