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 is organized into three subcommittees: Community Events, Design Review, and Special Projects.
PTAC typically meets on the third Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Meetings are held hybrid, with in person and virtual options. Members of the public are welcome.
Contact Information
Community Representatives
- Ted Alexander
- Ginny Alverson
- Caroline Bodager
- Meredith Brown
- Laura Evans
- Christopher Ferry
- Tim Gilman
- Preston Gutelius
- Satoko Hirai (Digital Communications Officer)
- Brenda Marvin (Secretary)
- Steven Mulder
- Barbara Myers
- Bianca Norkunas
- Vitor Pamplona (Vice Chair)
- Zach Rosenberg
- Alessandra Seiter (Chair)
- Robert Stanzel
- Carole Voulgaris
Ex-Officio
- Justin Schreiber (OSPCD Mobility)
- Katherine White (OSPCD Mobility)
- Will Mbah (City Council, At Large)
Agendas, Minutes and Upcoming Meetings
Meeting presentations can be found under the 'Presentation' document type for each meeting date. If there is no presentation listed for a given month, check that month's meeting minutes for details.
Current Bylaws
Annual Reports
- July 21, 2024 - Letter commenting on the Elm Street Parking Pilot
- June 21, 2024 - Letter commenting on the McGrath Boulevard concept design
- June 21, 2024 - Letter commenting on the West Broadway Reconstruction concept design
- March 22, 2024 - Letter recommending FY25 budget priority: Continued funding for the Transit Benefits Program
- November 17, 2023 - Letter commenting on the Draft Safe Streets Ordinance
- July 21, 2023 - Letter commenting on the Mystic River Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing bridge project
- May 26, 2023 - Letter recommending FY24 budget priorities: North-south transit connector planning & hiring a Curb Manager
- March 1, 2023 - Letter commenting on the Davis Square Station Accessibility Improvements Project
- December 9, 2022 - Letter offering recommendations on the revised network map of the MBTA’s Bus Network Redesign
- September 20, 2022 - Letter supporting the City’s response to the crash that killed cyclist Stephen Conley with updated plans for Holland Street
- August 23, 2022 - Letter offering comments and concerns on the MBTA’s Orange and northern Green Line shutdowns
- July 27, 2022 - Letter offering recommendations on the initial proposed network of the MBTA’s Bus Network Redesign
- November 1, 2021 - Letter supporting MA House bills on automated enforcement (H.2532, H.2426, & H.2494)
- November 1, 2021 - Letter supporting MA Senate bill on automated enforcement (S. 1545)
- December 20, 2020 - Letter supporting increased budget and staffing for Somerville Mobility Division
- December 4, 2020 - Letter opposing MBTA service cuts in Forging Ahead initiative
Attend a Monthly Meeting
PTAC typically meets on the third Thursday of every month from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Meetings are held hybrid, with in person and virtual options. Members of the public are welcome. The meeting location and link to join will be posted in the agenda 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, 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 though 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.
Make Your Voice Heard
- Give feedback on City projects and plans on SomerVoice
- Request a specific improvement or report a problem via Somerville 311
- Stay informed about pedestrian and transit happenings in Somerville with the Mobility Division newsletter
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