The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority cut late-night weekend buses and trains earlier this year, but the authority may resurrect the service in some form. To better inform the decision process, the MBTA is polling its riders about their late-night transportation needs.

Two options have been proposed.

As reported earlier this month, the MBTA received a proposal from Bridj to provide late-night service. Bridj would run its commuter vans for five hours a night at an estimated $85 per hour or $1.55 million for 12 months.

The advocacy group TransitMatters proposed a different approach using the MBTA’s fleet. The proposed “All-Nighter” service would define a network of bus routes that leave hourly from a central point in downtown Boston. The plan would also include a link to Logan Airport to serve airport workers and travelers in the late night and early morning hours. Proponents estimate this approach would cost $1 million per year.

The cities of Boston and Cambridge are partnering with the MBTA and TransitMatters on the survey. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association is also joining the effort to assess the transportation needs of service industry workers.

The online survey is available through December 16. Link to full story in Boston Magazine.

Photo credit: Susan Mara Bregman