Tuesday, Jan 3, 2012
Extended T Hours - Could Boston Gain Social Capital?
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This is the first in a series of reports that will examine the potential for economic gain for hospitality, entertainment venues, public safety and tourism throughout greater Boston if the proposed MBTA hours are extended.
Boston, Jan 3, 2012: State Representative Sean Garballey (D-Arlington) is drafting a proposal to extend the MBTA hours on Friday and Saturday nights until 2:00 AM. At a time when the cash-strapped MBTA is likely to increase fares for passengers, Rep. Sean Garballey - who co-chairs the MBTA Legislative Caucus in the legislature with Representative Sciortino (D-Medford) and Senators Jehlen (D-Somerville) and |
Eldridge (D-Acton) - is independently working on a proposal to extend the hours of the MBTA for a potential win-win economic solution that could provide an affordable and safer late-night transportation option for both residents and tourists alike.
Music Beat began examining the proposal by talking directly to the drafter of the bill, Representative Sean Garballey.
Music Beat: Who would benefit from the extended MBTA hours on the weekends?
Rep. Sean Garballey: Extended T Hours would benefit residents and tourists who would like to stay out later and have a safe return from a venue, which allows for a more affordable option than a taxi. Boston area businesses, such as companies structured around the creative economy, would also be able to benefit from this proposal. All-in-all, it's geared toward the consumer.
Music Beat: How would the extended T hours be feasible in this current economic climate?
Rep. Sean Garballey: The operational structure would include trains running every twenty minutes between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 2:00 AM instead of the current run of every twelve minutes. The price of the ticket to ride the T would increase as well.
Music Beat: Greater Boston does seem to have an image that suggests early closings of the MBTA and some restaurant venues leaves the area less competitive when vying for tourists.
Rep. Sean Garballey: Tourism is strong in Boston. But our economy must continue to grow through the entertainment and tourism industry.
Music beat will follow up with State rep Sean Garballey to find out the potential success of the bill which he hopes to bring to the floor in early 2012, well before the elections.
Now that Boston's Mayor Thomas Menino has created a six member commission to randomly spot check safety issues at night club venues in Boston, we'll provide additional reports to learn what others in tourism, venue management, hospitality, the local entertainment industry and - of course - the consumer, say about the proposed extended MBTA Hours.
News from Music Beat. The beat Continues ....
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