Evan Mercier ’14. Staff Writer
For much of the Boston-area public, there has always been the question of what the Massachusetts Bay Transport Authority (MBTA) has been thinking, closing the subway and bus systems so early.
Boston is one of the major cities in the Northeast known for nightlife, yet the state-run MBTA halts the city’s public transit system at 1 a.m., while bars, restaurants, etc. stay open until 2 a.m. This not only poses the problem of crowds gathering, but also creates a higher risk for intoxicated people getting behind the wheel.
Finally Boston may rejoice: Starting this April, the city’s most public and popular transportation routes will be open till 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The prices will remain the same prices, $2 for subway and $1.50 for bus.
The impetus came from the younger crowd, such as college students, as well as blue-collar restaurant workers who work late shifts.
This late night service will include the Silver Line, the bus service that provides transit to and from Logan Airport; the extension of hours will be helpful for those utilizing Logan for redeye flights.
Greg Selkoe, founder of an online fashion retailer “Karmaloop” and a leader of Boston’s innovation community, pledged to raise money for late night service. “It’s not a 9-5 world anymore and Boston need to reflect that,” he said.