The MBTA is extending its weekend service for trains and buses by two and a half hours this spring. The last train or bus will now depart at 3am as opposed to 12:30am. The announcement caused much excitement among Boston’s college student population, who make up a large portion of MBTA riders. The extension is expected to cost around $20 million and is only promised for a trail period of one year.
Concerns have been voiced regarding the logistical challenges of the new service extension eating into valuable time used for repairs and maintenance. However, most transit service is performed during the very early morning hours on Mondays through Fridays, so the new weekend times don’t adversely affect maintenance time.
The MBTA is in the midst of several new service overhauls, notably the Government Center Station’s closing for renovation. The station will close March 21st 2014 and open back up again two years later. The renovations are designed to bring the station into compliance with ADA regulation. An alternate bus route will be provided for riders during the closure.