Students, Alumni Concerned Over Potential MBTA Cuts

Students and alumni expressed concern for the potential shuttering of MBTA late night weekend service following last week’s public meeting at Cambridge City Hall.

In an effort to reduce the MBTA’s budget deficit, the regional public transit organization has introduced proposals to eliminate or privatize T service from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends. Last week’s meeting was one of many public forums scheduled in and around Boston to discuss the proposal.

Cambridge City Councilor Jan Devereux joined over 25 Boston area residents in criticizing planned cuts to late-night MBTA service during a public hearing held in Cambridge City Hall on Jan. 20. Among the public's concerns were the needs of workers who depend on the service, as well as the desire for a reliable transit system as Boston develops. By Sidni M. Frederick

The proposed changes would disproportionately affect the Harvard Square T stop more than other MBTA stations. An MBTA report from last February found Harvard Square was the 4th busiest station during late night hours.

Jessie J. King ’19, who uses the T frequently, praised the current late night service program.

“A lot of students use it as a more safe, cost efficient way to hang out with their friends on the weekends,” she said.

Ilian A. Meza ’17 said that when going out or traveling to concerts in Boston, taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber were considerably more expensive than riding the MBTA.

“I don’t use the T that often, but when traveling to Boston the T was definitely more affordable,” Meza said.

Susan J. Ringler ’74, an advocate for late night weekend MBTA service, said the late night service is crucial, not only for the university population, but also for those from around the greater Boston area.

“I think it affects a lot of people in the University community,” she said, citing the potential difficulties cuts would create for those who work in Harvard Square. “This is not just a student population, it's about the backbone of our city.”

The Harvard Square T-Station in 2014. By Tiana A Abdulmassih

Ringler said she was concerned the MBTA’s public meeting held on Jan. 20 addressing potential changes was hosted at an inopportune time. A large portion of the student population was still in transition back to their respective campuses, precluding them from voicing their opinions regarding the MBTA’s proposed cuts.

“They held these public meetings before all our students got back into town, they didn’t advertise them very well, and they presented a slide presentation that showed they had pretty much made up their minds that it was too expensive and they had to cut it,” Ringler said.

Dalen L. Ferreira ’19 also expressed skepticism at the proposed cuts’ ability to solve the MBTA’s monetary troubles.

“I think there would be much better ways to save money,” he said.

—Staff writer Joshua Florence can be reached at joshua.florence@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshuaFlorence1.

—Staff writer Samuel Vasquez can be reached at samuel.vasquez@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @svasquez14.