When MBTA late-night weekend service was announced, T-riders rejoiced. When it was announced that late-night service would start March 28, T-riders rejoiced. Clearly, it was –is – something people want. So, Future Boston Alliance launched an Indiegogo campaign to help keep the service running for good.

Future Boston launched its fundraising efforts on March 12. The goal: raise $30,000.

On April 26, the Indiegogo campaign closed. The result: about $24,000 short.

Wow.

A six-week fundraising campaign to support longterm late-night MBTA service only managed to raise $5,629. Better than nothing, I guess. After all, T-riders gripe enough about the cost of fares, so the thought of spending more money on the MBTA probably wasn’t very appealing. Noted.

To put the less-than-stellar performance of Future Boston’s late-night fundraising in perspective, the Indiegogo campaign for Goddamn Keytar Bear, which was launched earlier this week after he was apparently attacked on two separate occasions, has already raised $4,486 – almost double its original goal of $2,500.

aisdjflaksdjflaksdjf. Pause.

OK.

For the record, the people who complain about fares – everything MBTA related, really – are the same people who begged for late-night service. They’re the same ones who were thrilled to hear it was coming back. And they’re the same ones who will complain if it doesn’t last.

To their credit, they have utilized the service. On average, the T provided about 18,000 late-night subway trips each of the first four weekends of service. However, should those numbers start to drop, the cash-strapped Authority might be forced to scrap late-night service. Again.

People who didn’t donate to Future Boston’s campaign shouldn’t be called out. Unfortunately, I realize this post has made non-donaters – so, basically everyone – a scapegoat. But, something had to be said about the disconnect between desire for late-night T service and what people are actually doing to make sure it lasts.

If WE aren’t going to donate to the cause, WE better make sure we’re using it on the weekends.

Image via the MBTA