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MBTA looks into extending late-night service – Metro US

MBTA looks into extending late-night service

In response to passenger feedback, the MBTA is looking into extending T service past 1 a.m. “on a limited basis.”

MBTA customers made it clear during a series of public meetings last fall that they want more late-night T service.

Gov. Deval Patrick last week proposed a transportation plan that would allocate about $1 billion to MassDOT, allowing the agency to extend T service hours until 2 a.m. on weekends.

“We’ve gotten a lot of feedback from people saying, ‘Man, I wish I could get a subway or a bus at 2 a.m. on a Saturday night after a time out with my pals,'” Patrick told Metro last week. “People said they would be willing to pay for that, but in order for people to want that we’ve got to make sure the trains come on time, that they’re properly lit, comfortable and safe.”

If additional operating funds are identified, major bus routes and the most heavily traveled portions of the subway and light rail systems will be considered as part of a pilot program, according to MassDOT Spokeswoman Kelly Smith.

There is no word yet on when it would happen.

The cost of the service would be determined once operating schedules are identified. The extra costs would be due to fuel, power, personnel, cleaning, station and parking area lighting and increased customer service and Transit Police hours.

“The MBTA would ensure that any additional scheduled service does not reduce the ability to perform track, vehicle and station maintenance functions which currently take place during the overnight period,” Smith said.