The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority board voted to shut down late night transit service on the T this week, finding that ridership did not justify the cost of the long operation hours.
"Late-night hours on the MBTA will end March 18," reports Nicole Dungca, "after board members voted unanimously Monday to ax the service."
"The 4-0 vote was met with consternation by supporters of late-night service," adds Dungca. "The move represents the second time in 15 years that Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority officials have given up on extended hours for the nation’s fifth-largest transit system."
Concern was especially expressed on behalf of restaurant and service employees who rely on transit service and end work late at night (i.e., "a lot of folks that need it the most," as described in the article by Bob Luz, chief executive of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association).
What is know described as a necessity began its life as an amenity. In December 2013, the pilot project was heralded by riders, business leaders, and public officials "as a crucial element in maintaining a vibrant and attractive city," according to a post by Jonathan Nettler.
FULL STORY: MBTA to end late-night service by mid-March
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