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
Bridj Wants to Offer Late Night Transit Service in Boston
A proposal by on demand bus and shuttle company Bridj would fill a gap in late night service in the Boston area.
Boston Rail Network Sees Significant Increases in Speed After Eliminating ‘Slow Zones’
A year-long project that upgraded rail infrastructure and equipment has resulted in faster trips on all rail lines.
MBTA Red Line Now Free of ‘Slow Zones’
Recent work on the Boston-area rail line is making service on the aging system faster and more reliable.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service