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.

1 minute read

November 3, 2016, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Boston Subway T

Tupungato / Shutterstock

"A private transit company that already shuttles people around Greater Boston during the daytime has proposed to do the same at night, in a partnership with the MBTA to provide a late-night transportation option that workers, employers and transit advocates have clamored for," reports Colin A. Young.

The private transit company is Bridj, which has made news on Planetizen since 2014, when it emerged as the first tech-enabled "pop-up" bus service. The proposal would allow Bridj to offer "on demand late-night buses to move people around the city after the T's rail and traditional bus lines shut down."

The MBTA's Fiscal and Management Control Board considered the proposal this week, as an initial step in the process to implement the proposal.

MBTA Acting General Manager Brian Shortsleeve told State House News Service that Bridj has proposed a "public utility model" for its late-night service, and said the T would likely start with a pilot program before going all-in.

The MBTA shut down late-night service on the T in March 2016. It was the second time in 15 years that the MBTA had abandoned late night service.

Monday, October 31, 2016 in Boston Herald

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

Aerial view of flooding during Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls

The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.

45 minutes ago - NC Newsline

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

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.