I'm interested in transportation design and policy, and currently serve as a volunteer member of the MassDOT Transportation Advisory Committee (as a private citizen, not a MassDOT employee). Comments are my personal opinion, and do not reflect MassDOT or the TAC.
Summary: The interests of the MBTA (major cost reductions) and the interests of the MBTA's customers (basic late-night service) can both be satisfied by restructuring the Night Owl to greatly improve efficiency. The question before the Board should not be viewed as a black-and-white choice between the existing Night Owl and no late-night service. The existing Night Owl is inefficient because it provides service to all subway stations (irrespective of actual late-night demand) using a route network designed for commuter traffic (following subway lines into downtown). More efficient routes can be developed based on actual ridership patterns, and several possible Night Owl configurations are presented. With even a 75% cut in service, a well-designed Night Owl might be able to serve 2/3 of the existing passengers. With this type of option available, the Board should not eliminate service entirely. At a minimum, a core Night Owl service to regions with demonstrated high demand should be retained. I ask the Board to focus on saving money through a major restructuring of the Night Owl into a more efficient service.
By Sean Sullivan.
E-mail: transit (at) golux (d.t) org