Governor Deval Patrick joined Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and transportation officials at Kendall Station this morning, at a press conference detailing the upcoming launch of late-night MBTA service.

Patrick kicked things off, confirming that late-night MBTA service will start March 28 and last for one year, before turning things over to Walsh.

When Walsh took to the podium, he stated that late-night service falls in line with an earlier task force announcement, and takes care of the public transit aspect.

Speaking in the heart of Cambridge’s tech scene, Kendall, MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey said the Red Line, in particular, is the “backbone” of innovation, and late-night service will help extend ongoing research in the area.

MBTA General Manager Bev Scott spoke optimistically at the presser: “We can do this,” she said, “it’s not about why we can’t – it’s about how we can.”

The late-night service will cost about $17 million, with $1 million coming from sponsorships. The rest will be covered by government funds.

One of the sponsors, the Red Sox, Davey said, have one of the highest rates of fans using public transportation in North America. Of course, though, Sox fans are only a portion of people that will benefit from late-night rides…

Future Boston Alliance, the organization founded by Karmaloop CEO Greg Selkoe and Malia Lazu, is also sponsoring the upcoming service. To ensure the service sticks around for good, FBA is trying to raise $35,000, and released a video on Indiegogo that explains why late-night service is such a necessity.

Late-night service will operate as a one-year pilot-program. In December, news broke that the T will start providing late-night weekend service until 3:00 a.m. on all subway lines and 15 key bus routes.

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