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This week was a big one for the MBTA. On Friday, the MBTA ran its first-ever late night service. What’s more, Wednesday marked the 102nd birthday of the Red Line, the main artery leading to the heart of Boston’s tech community.
Both events are call for celebration for the city’s creative class. A few weeks back, Mayor Marty Walsh stood in front of a crowd of innovators at edtech non-profit LearnLaunch, and said, “We want to make to make Boston the tech capital of the world.” And for many companies looking to recruit top talent and entrepreneurs, the introduction of extended T hours is a step in the right direction towards achieving that goal.
Whether it’s networking after a Venture Café event, heading to a meetup at District Hall or bouncing to TechTuesdays for a few beers, the Red Line-riding innovation community is often up late into the night. Without access to public transit, people are left to lug themselves back to their apartment by foot or pay up for a ride-sharing service, their $70 a month Charlie Cards weighing down their wallet.
Extended T hours kindle the oft-cited work and play atmosphere that many entrepreneurs are looking for. The more that flexible vibe is nurtured, the more attractive Boston becomes as a place to not only build a company, but also build a life.
Current members of the city’s tech community have their own individual reasons for being revved about the addition of late night MBTA hours, however. BostInno asked 10 entrepreneurs from all neighborhoods for their take on if and how the late night hours would affect Boston’s innovation sector. Read their opinions, paired with their company's location, and contribute to the conversation in the comments section below.
Image via SemiUrban
