By Katie Sittig-Boyd
Staff Writer

The MBTA announced that it will be cutting its late-night services by mid-March. This decision comes in response to budgetary concerns and dwindling use, following a unanimous vote by the MBTA executive board on Monday.

While in effect, late-night hours extend MBTA service until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays on all subway lines and some bus lines, which proponents of the service have called a safe alternative for students as well as service industry workers, in spite of the fact that the extended hours only apply on two nights of the week.

Proponents of the service anticipate that the recent decision will negatively impact low-income residents in a city which is becoming consistently less affordable.

Officials said running late-night buses and subway trains reduced the possibilities, both with regard to time and resources, available for overnight maintenance.

Overall, the service cost the MBTA roughly $14.4 million during the 2015 fiscal year.

Late-night service will be cut by March 18.