Riders tuning out T-Radio

Hundreds sign petition to stop new service

BOSTON. Opposition is mounting against the newly launched T-Radio, and a petition to halt the service has already gathered hundreds of signatures in just three days.

Less than two weeks ago, the MBTA and Pyramid Radio unveiled a pilot radio program at North, South and Airport stations, in which music, entertainment news and safety announcements are constantly played throughout the day on subway and train platforms.

The programmed radio format has been introduced temporarily by the T so riders have a chance to weigh in on whether it should be expanded to the entire system before T officials go forward. The decision is likely to be made after Thanksgiving.

However, two weeks after it was launched, a petition drafted by the head of an association representing street performers has already received signatures from 392 people who claim the radio service is annoying, unnecessary and unfair to performers who are just looking for a venue to showcase their musical talent.

“It’s abusive. You can’t even hear someone talk that’s next to you,” said Stephen Baird, founder of the Street Arts & Buskers Advocates, a group that represents street performers and drafted the petition. “Performers are in a panic. Some are extremely fearful because between Thanksgiving and New Year's is when they make a lot of their money to survive over the winter.”

But, according to Baird, this issue is not just about street performers; it is about allowing everyday riders peace and quiet, or the chance to commute without constant noise.

“You can walk away from a subway performer. At North Station, you can’t get away from it.

Everyone has to listen to this and only this,” said Baird.

Metro has received complaints from readers regarding T-Radio, including pleas for the MBTA to restore “peace” in the subway stations.

“As the T said repeatedly when this pilot program was launched, customer feedback will play an integral role in making determinations about the program's future,” said T spokesman Joe Pesaturo, in response to the petition. “The T is grateful for any and all comments that assist in the decision making process.”

Riders can comment about T-Radio through the T’s Web site, www.mbta.com. The T is also working with Emerson students in gathering feedback from commuters at the three stations in the next few weeks.