Boston Nightlife Express

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    Boston Nightlife Express

    Prepared by: Alex OanonoLiz RonzioLayan AlirezaNora JordanJulia Carfagno

    Prepared for:David Gerzof-Richard

    Due: April 25, 2012

    Sweetwater Communications 3 Boylston Pl. Boston, MA, 02116 T 8564264584 [email protected] Sweetwatercomm.com

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    Table of Contents

    Goal 3To increase awareness among college students in the Boston area. 3

    Objectives 3

    Situation Analysis 4 About the Boston Nightlife Express 4The Problem 4

    SWOT 5Strengths 5

    Weaknesses 5Opportunities 5Threats 5

    Messaging 7 Attitudes and Beliefs: 7

    Target Audience 7Communications Audit 8

    Proles 8Twitter 8Facebook 9Website: BNEbus.com 10

    Medi a List 11Potential Story Pitches 13

    Entrepreneurial Angle 13Getting College Students Home Safe 13Picking up MBTAs slack 13

    Spokesperson 14Ryan Kaplan 14Objectives & Execution 15

    Host a Promotional Event - Sweetwater Tavern 15Collaborate with a Boston-based Company with an Established Following - Moufy 17Gain Media Coverage - Boston.com 18

    Timeline 19Evaluation 21

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    Berkley Beacon 21DJour Entertainment Playlist 21

    Valentines Day Party 21Boston.com 21

    Meeting with Moufy 21Budget 22Future Recommendations 23

    Appendix A 24 Appendix B 25 Appendix C 27 Appendix D 28 Appendix E 29 Appendix F 30 Appendix G 31

    Media Kit 32

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    Goal

    To increase awareness among college students in the Boston area.

    Objectives

    Inform college students of transportation options

    To raise awareness about the BNE to all publics

    To host a promotional event

    To gain media coverage

    To increase social media presence

    To collaborate with a Boston-based company/artist with an established following To expand social media presence

    To put together a DVD to play on the BNE bus that would promotes sponsors

    To create a party like atmosphere on the bus

    To form a partnership with a major company in terms of advertising on the BNE bus and websites

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    SWOT

    StrengthsScheduled times

    Cost-effective

    Low over-head

    Access to a eet of coach busses

    Safe way to get home- no walking, no drunk driving

    Fun atmosphere

    Free food & water is a huge draw

    WeaknessesThe BNE founders are split up around the country. It is a hard for 1 person (Eric) to run the company himself

    Not enough man power to run multiple busses at once

    No staff

    Only run on Friday nights

    OpportunitiesMBTA price increase

    Boston is a cold city and people dont want to wait outside

    Cabs can be expensive

    Innovative idea- they are the only ones in Boston doing this

    College students

    ThreatsCabs providing door to door service at any time

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    MBTA has early service

    Potential alcohol consumption despite enforced restriction

    Underage riders going to bars/clubs

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    Messaging

    The Boston Nightlife Express is Bostons only shuttle service that provides transportation to nightlife venues for primarilycollege students.

    Attitudes and Beliefs: Inexpensive

    Good alternative to cabs Safe

    Convenient

    Fun

    Free pizza

    Reliable

    Not always running

    Only operates on Friday nights

    Target Audience

    College students in the Boston area.

    Primary schools include: Boston University, Emerson College, Boston College, Salem State College, Endicott College,and Tufts University.

    Riders over the age of 21 who want access to club scenes.

    Riders under the age of 21 who need a ride to the downtown area. Enjoy a party atmosphere and the connivence and safety of riding a scheduled coach bus.

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    Communications Audit

    Proles

    Twitter

    Followers: 163

    Branding: The look of the page is consistent with the BNE website. However, the logo is not the BNE icon. Also,

    referring to the company as cheap is a poor branding decision. It would be a better decision to use inexpensive asthe term.

    Content/Promotions: A lot of promotion tweets happen the day of the actual events. This is a poor choice becausepeople are not aware of the events in advance and do not attend. There are a lot of hahtags being used, but notnecessarily hashtags that people would search. Also, many tweets are directed at particular colleges when new/ unpopular routes are being promoted.

    Conversation Coverage: There are very few interactions and mentions. This is something that needs to be worked on.

    Mentions are often not replied to, and interactions are usually about meetings that the BNE staff is looking forward to.

    Regularity of Posts: There are weeks where the Twitter page is active on a daily basis. However, there are days wherethere is no usage.

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    Facebook

    Likes: 115

    Branding: The look of the Facebook page is inconsistent with the BNE website. Like the Twitter account, the BNE logo

    is not the prole picture. They have a fake mailing address, as a pun on the song, 143, by hip-hop artist, Ray Jay.

    Content: Posts are very sporadic. There was no Facebook usage for the month of March. Links to media coverage arealways posted.

    Tracking: There are only 115 likes on the Facebook page. That being said, tracking is very minimal.

    Conversation: None.

    Photos: The BNE bus has two albums. One of the albums is from November riders - photos are untagged. Thesecond album is from the Valentines Day Party at Sweetwater Tavern for Emerson Students that we hosted. All of the

    photos are all tagged and have a link to the BNE website and Twitter in the description box.

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    Website: BNEbus.com

    Branding: Consistent. This is the BNEs only digital media that is constantly updated and cohesive.

    Content: The website has a clear description of all the routes currently offered to different schools. Purchasing tickets

    is a simple widget where customers can purchase tickets with a credit card. However, purchasing tickets online has afee - a fee that isnt charged if you purchase your ticket on the actual bus. This is confusing and makes it hard for theBNE staff to project how many people will ride the bus, because riders prefer to purchase tickets in person.

    Promotions: Promotions are blatantly displayed on each landing page. There is also a promotions tab.

    Services: There is a tab for the services offered, including: the public routes, bus rentals, and event planning. This ispoorly explained and

    Tracking: Google trends is not able to analyze the website because it has very low trafc. Social Presence: There is a BNE Twitter widget on the homepage.

    Press: The BNE staff does a good job of making sure that all press coverage is linked to for visitors to read.

    About/ The Team: This page is nice because it lets visitors see a personal side and connect to the BNE. However, in

    conjunction with the BNE Twitter, it can come off as unprofessional; for example, Ryan is also a wizard, is a sarcasticway to describe the person who Sweetwater Communications believes would be a great spokesperson for the BNEbrand.

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    Media ListName Location Website Contact Person Contact E-Mail Contact Phone

    NumberImproper Bosto-nian

    Boston, MA http://www.improper.com

    Andrew Rimas [email protected]

    (617) 859-1400

    Stuff Boston, MA http://www.stuffatnight.com /

    Jacquelin Houton [email protected] (617) 859-3328

    Boston's WeeklyDig

    Boston, MA http://www.weeklydig.com

    David Day [email protected]

    (617) 426-8942x238

    Metro Boston, MA http://www.metro.us/boston

    Jill Gadsby [email protected] (617) 778-5243

    Boston Globe Dorchester, MA http://www.bosto

    n.com/globe/

    Mike Bello [email protected] (617) 929-7749

    Boston Magazine Boston, MA http://www.bostonmagazine.com /

    Brittany Jasnoff [email protected]

    (617) 262-9700x261

    Boston Herald Boston, MA http://www.bostonherald.com

    Jules Crittenden [email protected]

    (617) 619-6461

    Her Campus Boston, MA http://hercampus.com /

    Stephanie Kaplan [email protected]

    Bostonia Maga-zine, Boston Uni-

    versity

    Brookline, MA http://www.bu.edu/bostonia/

    Cynthia Buccini [email protected] (617) 353-5840

    Daily Collegian,University of Mas-

    sachusetts

    Springeld, MA http://www.dailycollegian.com /

    Alyssa Creamer [email protected]

    (413) 545-3500

    Daily Free Press,Boston University

    Boston, MA http://www.dailyfreepress.com

    Chelsea Diana [email protected]

    (617) 236-4433

    Harvard Crimson,Harvard University

    Cambridge, MA http://www.thecrimson.com /

    Elias Groll [email protected]

    (617) 576-6565

    Harvard UniversityGazette

    Cambridge, MA http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/

    Jim Concannon [email protected]

    (617) 495-1585

    Huntington News,

    Northeastern Uni-versity

    Boston, MA http://huntnewsnu

    .com

    Jenna Duncan editor@huntnewsnu.

    com

    (857) 362-7325

    The Justice,Brandeis Univer-

    sity

    Waltham, MA http://www.thejusticeonline.com /

    Emily Kraus [email protected] (781) 736-3750

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    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.thejusticeonline.com/http://www.thejusticeonline.com/http://www.thejusticeonline.com/http://www.thejusticeonline.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://huntnewsnu.com/http://huntnewsnu.com/http://huntnewsnu.com/http://huntnewsnu.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://news.harvard.edu/gazette/http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.thecrimson.com/http://www.thecrimson.com/http://www.thecrimson.com/http://www.thecrimson.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.dailyfreepress.com/http://www.dailyfreepress.com/http://www.dailyfreepress.com/http://www.dailyfreepress.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.dailycollegian.com/http://www.dailycollegian.com/http://www.dailycollegian.com/http://www.dailycollegian.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.bu.edu/bostonia/http://www.bu.edu/bostonia/http://www.bu.edu/bostonia/http://www.bu.edu/bostonia/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://hercampus.com/http://hercampus.com/http://hercampus.com/http://hercampus.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.bostonherald.com/http://www.bostonherald.com/http://www.bostonherald.com/http://www.bostonherald.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.bostonmagazine.com/http://www.bostonmagazine.com/http://www.bostonmagazine.com/http://www.bostonmagazine.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.boston.com/globe/http://www.boston.com/globe/http://www.boston.com/globe/http://www.boston.com/globe/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.metro.us/bostonhttp://www.metro.us/bostonhttp://www.metro.us/bostonhttp://www.metro.us/bostonmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.weeklydig.com/http://www.weeklydig.com/http://www.weeklydig.com/http://www.weeklydig.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.stuffatnight.com/http://www.stuffatnight.com/http://www.stuffatnight.com/http://www.stuffatnight.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.improper.com/http://www.improper.com/http://www.improper.com/http://www.improper.com/
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    Name Location Website Contact Person Contact E-Mail Contact PhoneNumber

    Mass Media, Uni-versity of Massa-

    chusetts Boston

    Dorchester, MA http://www.umassmedia.com /

    Caleb Nelson [email protected]

    (617) 287-7997

    The Scarlet, Clark University

    Worcester, MA http://clarknews.wordpress.com /

    Gwen Walsh [email protected] (508) 793-7508

    Suffolk Journal,Suffolk University

    Boston, MA http://www.suffolkjournal.net

    Jeff Fish [email protected]

    (617) 573-8323

    Tufts Daily, TuftsUniversity

    Medford, MA http://www.tuftsdaily.com /

    Carter Rogers [email protected] (617) 627-3090

    Berkeley Beacon,Emerson College

    Boston, MA http://www.berkeleybeacon.com /

    Alexander Kauf-man

    [email protected]

    (617) 824-8687

    Babson FreePress, Babson

    College

    Babson Park, MA http://www.babsonfreep.com /

    Daniel Girdusky [email protected]

    (781) 239-4229

    Beacon, Merri-mack College

    North Andover,MA

    http://www.merrimackbeacon.com

    /

    Jim Chiavelli [email protected]

    (978) 837-5000

    Endicott Observer,Endicott College

    Beverly, MA http://www.endicott.edu/Student/Ob

    server.aspx

    Nicole LeLacheur [email protected]

    (978) 232-2050

    Connector, Uni-versity of Massa-

    chusetts Lowell

    Lowell, MA http://www.umlconnector.com /

    Amy Budge [email protected] (978) 934-5009

    Le Provocateur, Assumption Col-

    lege

    Worcester, MA http://www.leprovoc.com

    Erin Sullivan [email protected]

    (508) 767-7155

    Simmons Voice,Simmons College

    Boston, MA http://www.thesimmonsvoice.com /

    Maria Costigan [email protected]

    (617) 521-2442

    The Salem StateLog, Salem State

    College

    Salem, MA http://www.salemstate.edu/log/

    Michael Anderson [email protected] (978) 542-6448

    Tech, Massachu-

    setts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge, MA http://www-tech.

    mit.edu /

    Ethan Soloman [email protected] (617) 253-1541

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    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www-tech.mit.edu/http://www-tech.mit.edu/http://www-tech.mit.edu/http://www-tech.mit.edu/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.salemstate.edu/log/http://www.salemstate.edu/log/http://www.salemstate.edu/log/http://www.salemstate.edu/log/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.thesimmonsvoice.com/http://www.thesimmonsvoice.com/http://www.thesimmonsvoice.com/http://www.thesimmonsvoice.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.leprovoc.com/http://www.leprovoc.com/http://www.leprovoc.com/http://www.leprovoc.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.umlconnector.com/http://www.umlconnector.com/http://www.umlconnector.com/http://www.umlconnector.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.endicott.edu/Student/Observer.aspxhttp://www.endicott.edu/Student/Observer.aspxhttp://www.endicott.edu/Student/Observer.aspxhttp://www.endicott.edu/Student/Observer.aspxhttp://www.endicott.edu/Student/Observer.aspxhttp://www.endicott.edu/Student/Observer.aspxmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.merrimackbeacon.com/http://www.merrimackbeacon.com/http://www.merrimackbeacon.com/http://www.merrimackbeacon.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.babsonfreep.com/http://www.babsonfreep.com/http://www.babsonfreep.com/http://www.babsonfreep.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.berkeleybeacon.com/http://www.berkeleybeacon.com/http://www.berkeleybeacon.com/http://www.berkeleybeacon.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.tuftsdaily.com/http://www.tuftsdaily.com/http://www.tuftsdaily.com/http://www.tuftsdaily.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.suffolkjournal.net/http://www.suffolkjournal.net/http://www.suffolkjournal.net/http://www.suffolkjournal.net/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://clarknews.wordpress.com/http://clarknews.wordpress.com/http://clarknews.wordpress.com/http://clarknews.wordpress.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.umassmedia.com/http://www.umassmedia.com/http://www.umassmedia.com/http://www.umassmedia.com/
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    Potential Story Pitches

    Entrepreneurial Angle The Boston Nightlife Express was founded by three Boston University recent graduates. Now that all three are spreadacross the US, they work virtually together taking on different company roles.

    Getting College Students Home SafeWith crazy New England weather, including winter nights getting into the negative degrees, walking an hour to get home

    poses a great threat. Not to mention that Boston is a major metropolitan city with an existent crime rate. However, with

    so many students on a budget, many will risk walking the streets late at night to get home after the T closes in order tosave the $15 they would spend on a cab.

    Picking up MBTAs slackIts been a rough year for the MBTA as they are hanging by a thread to make ends meet. They have been struggling toprovide citizens of Boston with accessible transportation while balancing their budget which has been in the negatives foryears. The public has been in an uproar over the recent announcements of fare increases and potential service cuts. EricPasinski, co-founder of the Boston Nightlife Express says that one of their goals is to substitute the Boston Nightlife

    Express in where they can to pick up the T slack. Their rst problem that they are xing is the early shut down time of 12:30 am, when the bars close at 2:00. The Boston Nightlife Express runs busses consistently from 10:00 PM to 2:00

    AM every Friday.

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    Spokesperson

    Ryan Kaplan As recent graduate from the Boston University School of Management and co-founder of the BNE Bus, Ryan showed atalent for handling difcult questions and possessed a natural ability to speak with reporters.

    Sweetwater Communications learned through media coaching, that Ryan was able to steer the conversation away fromhot button questions, such as underage drinking and partying, towards the positive services the bus provides.

    Ryan not only maintains a business like appearance, but also remains professional on on all social media outlets used.

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    The most important component to this event was photo opportunities. Guests were given BNE signs to pose with forpictures that were later posted on Facebook and tagged. The purpose of this was to generate interest in the BNE

    Facebook page and inspire Facebook browsers to ride the bus.

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    WINE US DINE US

    RIDE US BOSTON NIGHTLIFE EXPRESS VALENTINES DAY

    AT SWEETWATER TAVERN

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    Collaborate with a Boston-based Company with an Established Following - Moufy

    Option:

    We decided to collaborate with local Boston rapper, Moufy, who is an upcoming hip hop artist who is popular among

    college students in Boston.

    Throughout his music he always references his love for Boston.

    We also chose this option over organizing a pub-crawl

    Execution:

    To initiate the conversation we sent an e-mail pitch to Moufys marketing team explaining the benets of this project to

    both parties (see Appendix B). Moufys managment then requested a meeting with the team.

    At the meeting representing, the Boston Nightlife Express was Eric Pasinski and the ve members of SweetwaterCommunications. Also present at the meeting were Moufys manager named Kelvin, intern Stephanie, and Star-Gangmember Bam Bam.

    Ideas from both parties for collaborations were passed around and well received. It was decided at the meeting thatMoufy would write a song incorporating the Boston Nightlife Express as well as shoot a video on the bus.

    In addition, Moufys marketing team agreed to perform at a series of 18+parties at Game On. They requested $2,500

    for the appearance and $1,300 for the video and song.

    BNE met with music video director, Dan Gold, to come up with concepts for the video. At this meeting, Eric informedus that the Game On parties were being hosted by partner company, Jebbit.com, who offered to pay for the music

    videos production as long as they were mentioned in the video. The BNE team and director decided that this wouldcome off as too much of a commercial - which was unwanted.

    Result:

    BNE and Moufys team ultimately decided against following through with the plan, because Moufys team failed torespond to Pasinskis emails. This resulted in not having enough time to shoot and edit the music video before theGame On concert series.

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    Gain Media Coverage - Boston.comOptions:

    During class, Sweetwater Communications had the opportunity to pitch a BNE story angle to Regional Editor of Boston.com, David Dahl. He requested that we would e-mail him with information.

    The pitch, (Appendix C), was sent Dahl with an entrepreneurial angle.

    Dahl then forwarded the e-mail to Boston.com/yourtown reporter, Johanna Kaiser, who requested to interview Eric

    Pasinski (Appendix D).

    Our team then coached Eric on the dos and donts of phone interviewing (Appendix E).

    On February 6, 2012 Eric Pasinski and Ryan Kaplan were interviewed by Johanna Kaiser while one of our team

    members Alex Oanono was on the line. It was a successful and smooth interview which then lead to an article beingpublished on February 28th on Boston.com (Appendix F).

    Other Pitches:

    Sweetwater Communications initially wanted to pitch the BNE to school newspapers in Boston. However, the buseswere frequently not in service so we were unable to do so.

    One pitch that didnt end up being covered was to WBUR News producer, Kathleen McNerny (see Appendix G).

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    Timeline

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    Evaluation

    Sweetwater Communications experienced many achievements throughout the semester when working with the BostonNightlife Express. The team worked tirelessly to maintain events in order to gain media coverage and produce alternate

    angles to pitch to the press.

    Berkley Beacon

    On February 2nd, 2012 , Sweetwater Communications gained our rst story for Emerson Colleges Berkley Beacon. Thestory proled students riding the bus and their rst hand experiences. Co-

    founder Ryan Kaplan was also interviewed for this publication and handled allquestions with ease.

    DJour Entertainment PlaylistOn February 10, 2012, DJour Entertainment produced a CD mix to be played on the BostonNightlife Express when in route. The team found that the music created a more inviting atmosphere

    and increased the overall experience.

    Valentines Day Party

    On February 14th, 2012, the team arranged a collaborative party with Sweetwater Tavern in order topromote the bus and create an alternative story to pitch. The event was a true success with over 70

    people in attendance. From this event the team was also able to take pictures andencourage more conversations through social media outlets.

    Boston.comOn February 28th, 2012, Boston.com/yourtown published a detailed article proling the BNE Bus.Before this interview Sweetwater Communications coached Eric and Ryan on elding media questions and explained all

    that would be happening on the conference call. This was SweetwaterCommunications rst media interview not afliated with a university for the BNE Busand resulted in a positive story.

    Meeting with Moufy On March 23rd, 2012, the team along with co-founder Eric Pasinski partook in a collaborative

    meeting with raising hip-hop sensation Moufy. The meeting was focused around a concert / promotional video that would benet both parties. While the meeting was a success theproject was unable to be executed due to unexpected budget issues.

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    Future Recommendations

    Build relationships with reporters: e.g to inform reporters about events

    Find avenues to increase social media

    Ex- Hold contests on website, Facebook and Twitter for funniest picture with BNE bus.

    To inform media team of any company decisions made.

    Create stronger communication between founders and CEO.

    Run the bus more consistently.

    To create a timeline.

    To have a BNE promotional event at least once a month.

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    Appendix A

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    Eric Pasinski Re: Valentines Day prepFebruary 10, 2012 10:57:16 AM ESTElizabeth Ronzio , [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

    Happy Friday Everyone!!!!

    AWESOME MEETING! you guys kickass! sounds good I'll bring the banner and talk to LT... do u need money to print stuff? Let me know if youneed anything else.

    I'M SUPERRRRR PUMPED FOR TUESDAY!!!

    sky is the limit,e

    On Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 7:03 AM, Elizabeth Ronzio < [email protected] > wrote:Hey guys,

    I left for st. Louis (home) at 6am this morning so I won't be able to print the flyers and I don't get back until late Sunday night. Sorry- can anyoneelse cover this?

    Eric- We don't need to make anything can you jut bring that poster/ sign thing that we talked about?

    Hope you all have good weekends! Text me if you need anything.-Liz

    Sent from my iPhone

    On Feb 10, 2012, at 8:46 AM, Alex Oanono < [email protected] > wrote:

    > Hey everyone!>> Such a good meeting yesterday. I vote t hat all in person meetings are at Sweet Water.> I just wanted to send a quick email updating everyone on their responsibilities leading up to Valentine's day.>> FLYERS:> I just made a quick flyer for t he event, attached.> We discussed printing out a few big flyers, and then also having 1/4 page versions some can hand them out.> I think it's important that we print them out today and hand them out this afternoon because the flyer might inspire people to ride the bus tonight.> We can continue handing them out on Mon/Tues.> Liz - do you want to handle this?>> SOCIAL MEDIA:> Nora- can you please make the Facebook event?> Please make all of us admins just incase we need to edit it- especially Eric.> Once it's made, we all should invite every Emerson/ Suffolk friends we have.> If you all want to sign onto the Twitter account, start following your friends living in Boston.> I'll start tweeting "Ride Me" to people with a picture of the flyer and a link to the Emerson route page.>

    > Eric- you should talk to LT and get the Sweetwater logo for your website, as well as put the flyer up on your promotions page.> Also, don't forget to bring the BNE banner to the event so we can hang it up.>> PHOTOS:> Layan, did you say you wanted to be the photographer for the event? If not, we can definitely get someone else.> Liz, you wanted to get a poster for the candid photos.>> DVD:> We talked about making DVD for the TV screens with the BNE logo and information about their services. Julia, you missed this, if you talk to Lizor Layan will you be able to make it?>> Eric- please talk to Liz about the budget for printing.>> So much for a "quick email!" I'm on my way to NY r ight now but I'll have my phone so if anyone needs anything I'm here.>> XOXO> Alex>

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    Appendix B

    Alex Oanono, Emerson CollegePublicistBoston Nightlife Expresswww.bnebus.com

    Friday, February 24, 2012

    Dear Moufy,

    The Boston Nightlife Express (BNE) would like to invite you to work with us on a new exciting project. TheBNE is a bus shuttle service, started by 3 recent Boston University graduates, as a solution the unpopular T

    service here in Boston. BNE originally started by shuttling students from BU (Allston) to the downtown area

    (Boylston) while offering deals to clubs by creating a relationship with 6one7 Productions. Recently, the BNE

    has expanded their routes to other schools including from Emerson, Tufts, all the way out at Salem and doz-

    ens more. The BNE has been quickly changing the face of Boston night transportation because nally, party-

    goers and college kids can rely on the BNE to be running past midnight and to be cheaper than splitting acab because of its set times and fares. Plus, you get a free slice of pizza on your return ride home.

    We come to you in hopes of collaborating on a viral video project. Since you are a local Boston rapper, and

    since you have a following in college students, we think that this experience could be valuable for both you

    and the BNE. We were hoping to create either a music video to a song you already have featuring the BNE,or even a short funnier rap that we could tape on the BNE as some kind of satire against public transporta-

    tion- or whatever we work out. Weve just come up with a new tag line, Ride Me, which could be some-

    thing really fun to play around with in the rap/video.

    We are planning on inviting the media and reporters to be there for the taping so they can follow the progress

    from the taping to the release. This could generate some serious press among media platforms that rangefrom interests about music to the MBTA - a huge audience.

    After producing the video, we plan to host a video-release masquerade-themed party at Gypsy Bar on April

    12th, and invite students from all around Boston. This party will also have an abundance of reporters to cover

    Sweetwater Communications for Boston Nightlife Express

    25

    http://www.bnebus.com/http://www.bnebus.com/http://www.bnebus.com/
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    the event. We chose this date because Emersons Fashion Society is having a huge fashion show that week-

    end with a lot of press, so we would be able to generate some buzz about the BNE and yourself.

    This release party would create even more buzz because we hope to release the video and have you perform

    a few songs, and t hen let the DJ take over so people can dance all night. This would be great exposure to

    you.

    Weve been in touch with Frank Kelleher about this, and would love to hear back from you as soon as possi-

    ble about your interest in this project.

    Again, since the release would be April 12th, we would have to get the ball rolling on this soon. We can pro-

    vide the crew and extras for the video, all we need is cooperation!

    We really look forward to the potential of working with you!

    Sincerely,

    The Boston Nightlife Express Team

    Alex Oanono

    Eric Pasinski, Co-Founder

    Nora Jordan

    Liz Ronzio

    Layan Alireza

    Julia Carfagnio

    Contact information:

    Alex Oanono856-426-4584

    [email protected]@bnebus

    Sweetwater Communications for Boston Nightlife Express

    26

    http://www.bnebus.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.bnebus.com/http://www.bnebus.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    Appendix C

    Sweetwater Communications for Boston Nightlife Express

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    Appendix D

    Sweetwater Communications for Boston Nightlife Express

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    Appendix F

    Sweetwater Communications for Boston Nightlife Express

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    Bus service lets Boston college students stay out past T'sclosing timePosted by Johanna Kaiser

    February 28, 2012 10:20 AM

    By Johanna Kaiser, Town CorrespondentBostons college students know how hard it can be to socialize once the clock strikes midnight--the T starts to shutdown, cabs become scarce, and a long walk back home becomes a strong possibility.

    Now, three recent Boston University graduates hope to provide a safe, fun, and much later ride home to club-goerswith their new bus service, Boston Nightlife Express.

    Everyone is having the time of their lives. It really is a special feeling just filling up a bus with colleges kids justlooking to have a good time, Ryan Kaplan, one of the companys three co-founders, said in a phone interview.

    For a $3 to $5 bus ticket, students get a safe, simple lift to and from designated areas on their schools campus alonwith perks from clubs, like passes to the front of the line or a discounted price on cover charges.

    The kids jaws just drop when they get pizza, Kaplan said of another perk.

    Kaplan and co-founders Jonathan Castillo and Eric Pasinski did test runs of the service last semester and since thestart of this semester have been steadily picking up more and more students on their Friday night trips andoccasionally run private trips for large groups.

    Although the service is taking a break for midterms, buses usually run through Boston University and EmersonCollege campuses to a stop central to downtown clubs, and could serve more colleges in the city on more nights asthe business expands.

    The company is also working with Salem State University and Endicott College, which has a private campus, toestablish a bus line from those colleges to and from the city.

    Theres literally nothing to do in that area, said Pasinski, a Nahant resident. It gets pretty boring pretty fast.

    The lack of entertainment and transportation outside the city has Pasinski and Kaplan looking to expand to thesuburbs, too, and the college officials they have talked to are considering getting on board.

    Theyve been very excited to get students into a more diverse social setting than the suburbs, Pasinski said.

    While the Boston Nightlife Express buses offer an alternative to cabs and Ts limited service, its founders say their goal isnt to compete, but help make travel in the city more efficient.

    Were not competing with the T, Pasinski said. Were finding a solution to its problems.--Twitter: @YTFenwayKenmore, @JohannaKaiser E-mail: [email protected]

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    Appendix G

    Sweetwater Communications for Boston Nightlife Express

    31

    ________________________________________From: Mcnerney, Kathleen [ [email protected] ]Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2012 8:23 AMTo: Nora JordanSubject: RE: Boston Nightlife Express follow up

    Thanks for following up, Nora.

    Let me look this over and I will get back to you this week or next.

    Kathleen McNerneyWBUR News

    617-353-0770________________________________________From: Nora Jordan [ [email protected] ]Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2012 8:17 AMTo: [email protected]: Boston Nightlife Express follow up

    Dear Kathleen McNerny,

    As a student of David Gerzof's I'd like to thank you for speaking at our class last night. It was fascinating to hear about your job, and I found itadmirable that you stay sane through such a crazy schedule!

    We got to talk briefly about my group's client, the Boston Nightlife Express, a late night bus service which shuttles college students throughout thecity. You mentioned a few different angles which might be a good fit for a WBUR segment. I just wanted to follow up and find out if you would beinterested in speaking with the founder of the company, Eric Pasinski. Bellow is the link to their web site as well as a few articles written about thecompany. Feel free to e-mail me back or call me at (781) 424-0144 if you have any further questions.

    http://bnebus.com/

    http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2011/12/17/partying-while-sleeps/CJtQS6IUSvRzk8EY1mfgaP/story.html

    http://www.metro.us/boston/local/article/1050763--bu-students-don-t-need-the-t-to-get-home-from-the-bars

    http://bostinno.com/blog/2011/12/22/boston-nightlife-express-keeps-the-party-rockin-hours-after-the-t-shuts-down/

    Feel free to e-mail me back or call me at (781) 424-0144 if you have any further questions.

    Best,Nora

    Nora Jordan------------------Emerson College 2012Marketing CommunicationsEntrepreneurial StudiesPresident; DJour Entertainmentabout.me/norajordan

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    Media Kit

    Sweetwater Communications 3 Boylston Pl. Boston, MA, 02116 T 8564264584 [email protected] Sweetwatercomm.com

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    BU students don't need the T to get home from

    the barsSTEVE ANNEAR/METROBOSTONPublished: December 14, 2011 8:23 p.m.

    Students at Boston University this semester didnt have to worry about clambering out of Hub bars beforethe T closed down just to hitch a ride home.

    Ryan Kaplan had buses waiting for them.

    Kaplan, co-founder of Boston Nightlife Express, launched the shuttle business with several close friends just months after graduating from BU last year.

    Since its inception, BNE has been shipping students from campus to bars and back to save them fromhailing a cab or scrambling to catch a Green Line train.

    You can enjoy your night until bars close at 2 a.m., and the bus is there when you leave, said MichaelPowers, 21, a BU senior who has used the services.

    For $5 per ride, BNE also puts deals together with local bars so students can sneak to the front of the lineafter arriving by bus, directly to the door.

    You can plan in advance and you can go online and book a ticket on our website but you can also justshow up, pay and hop on, said Kaplan.

    Next semester, Kaplan and crew will be trying to extend the service to other schools to solve their late-night transportation problems.

    Its a blatant need, he said. Im sure tons of students going out wished there was a more convenientway to get back home.

    Sweetwater Communications 3 Boylston Pl. Boston, MA, 02116 T 8564264584 [email protected] Sweetwatercomm.com

    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    Boston Nightlife Express Keeps the PartyRockin Hours After the T Shuts Down

    December 22nd, 2011 by Lauren Landry Posted in Boston University

    At 2 a.m. in this city, it doesnt matter how great your Friday night has been. The bars have closed, the Tis shut down and, unless you feel like stumbling back to Allston, youre stuck waiting at least 30 minutesfor a cab. Once you do find a cab, you still have to fork over $20 and deal with an erratic driver whodrather talk on his cell phone than talk to you. Ryan Kaplan has realized all of this, and not only has he of-fered to bring you home from your favorite bars downtown, but hes offered to bring you there, too, andall for only $5 a ride with Boston Nightlife Express (B NE).

    While at Boston University, Kaplan remembers waiting 90 minutes for one of those elusive cabs to drive by. That was the worst night; it was terrible, he said, and so he decided to do something about it. After graduating in May with his fellow co-founders Jonathan Castillo and Eric Pasinski, Kaplan came up withthe idea of creating a late-night shuttle bus for the college students around Boston.

    You have these amazing nights at these great clubs in this great city, and then its cut short because youcant even get home, Kaplan said. This makes the flow of anyones night continuous. The fun doesntneed to stop once youve left the bar.

    To ensure the funs continuous, BNE teamed up with 6one7 Productions to provide their riders with dif-ferent deals at local clubs, whether it be free cover or the ability to cut the line. The BNE is then not justconvenient, but also affordable, because youre cutting costs on cover and taxis.

    As of now, the service is only available to students at Boston University, but the team does plan to extendservice soon to every school in the Greater Boston area. Its now just a matter of deciding which school tohit next. With a fleet of 60 vessels at their disposal, Kaplan said they have a lot of room to grow.

    In the past, the city has tri ed offering late-night tran sportation options through their Night Owl pro-gram. But as Richard Dav ey, the secretary and CEO of MassDOT, said to the Globelast year, while its agreat idea, its also too e xpensive. Given our fisc al situation, were committed to providing the currentlevels of service that we have and that is not easy.

    Between the cost and the wear and tear on the vehicles, the city providing after-hour service just wouldntmake sense. But, as Kaplan said, Thats okay, because the city has us now.

    http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/http://bostinno.com/2011/12/22/boston-nightlife-express-keeps-the-party-rockin-hours-after-the-t-shuts-down/379935_306000726096420_277919575571202_1158672_193584646_n-2/http://bostinno.com/2011/12/22/boston-nightlife-express-keeps-the-party-rockin-hours-after-the-t-shuts-down/379935_306000726096420_277919575571202_1158672_193584646_n-2/http://bnebus.com/http://bnebus.com/http://bnebus.com/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/07/t_chief_nows_no.htmlhttp://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/07/t_chief_nows_no.htmlhttp://www.massdot.state.ma.us/http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/http://www.6one7productions.com/http://www.6one7productions.com/http://bostinno.com/2011/12/22/boston-nightlife-express-keeps-the-party-rockin-hours-after-the-t-shuts-down/379935_306000726096420_277919575571202_1158672_193584646_n-2/http://bostinno.com/2011/12/22/boston-nightlife-express-keeps-the-party-rockin-hours-after-the-t-shuts-down/379935_306000726096420_277919575571202_1158672_193584646_n-2/http://bnebus.com/http://bnebus.com/http://bostinno.com/tag/boston-university/http://bostinno.com/tag/boston-university/http://bostinno.com/author/laurlandry/http://bostinno.com/author/laurlandry/http://bostinno.com/2011/12/22/boston-nightlife-express-keeps-the-party-rockin-hours-after-the-t-shuts-down/http://bostinno.com/2011/12/22/boston-nightlife-express-keeps-the-party-rockin-hours-after-the-t-shuts-down/http://bostinno.com/2011/12/22/boston-nightlife-express-keeps-the-party-rockin-hours-after-the-t-shuts-down/http://bostinno.com/2011/12/22/boston-nightlife-express-keeps-the-party-rockin-hours-after-the-t-shuts-down/
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    New Bus Service Caters to College Club-GoersBU alums Boston Nightlife Express takes off

    January 27, 2012 by Leslie Friday Posted in BU Today

    With the thermostat hovering in the 20s last Friday night, BU alums Ryan Kaplan, Eric Pasinski,and Jonathan Castillo gingerly applied a sticky sign the size of a giant toboggan to the side of acharter bus. They were shooting for zero bubbling and a level presentation, and they nailed it.Castillo squeezed out extra air with a yardstick.

    This is the most stressful part of our night, Kaplan (SMG11) said with a laugh.

    Thats quite a statement, considering that their new business, Boston Nightlife Express (BNE),involves shuttling buses of college students to and from Boston nightclubs and adhering to tightschedules despite unpredictable trafficall while wearing the hats of promoter, market re-searcher, bouncer, and businessman.

    BNE launched Veterans Day weekend, initially serving only Boston University students. Havingturned a profit by its fourth run, the alumni now provide rides to Emerson College students go-ing to parties in Allston. And this night they have begun service for Endicott College students,

    busing them from Beverly, Mass., and back, with plans to expand to more universities, like Bos-ton College in late February and Tufts and Brandeis shortly afterwards.

    Theres not much to do out there, says Nahant native Pasinski (SAR11), referring to Endicott.Kids are dying to get into Boston.

    Many of the young entrepreneurs decisions are made on the fly. Just after 10 p.m., as theirdriver, Alex Bien-Aim, inched along Comm Ave in heavy traffic after a mens hockey game, they abruptly changed the pickup spot for their first group, a private party. Pasinski got off the bus inthe stop-and-go traffic to corral partygoers as Bien-Aim made an impressive U-turn.

    With the bus parked in front of 1055 Commonwealth Ave., Kaplan joined Pasinski outside as acouple of dozen BU students fumbled for cash or cards to pay. (Private parties pay a negotiatedrate per person. Public riders pay $5 each way. That fare falls to $1 for a one-way to Boston aftermidnight.) Meanwhile Castillo (SMG11) tinkered with the CD player, coaxing it to blast music asthe first customers boarded.

    Women in high heels and short skirts clicked up the stairs. Men bounded up in jeans, dressshoes, and button-down shirts. Soon the bus swayed gently as partygoers danced in the aisle.

    A roar rose from the crowd as the last guest entered. Dressed in a sleek black suit and black andneon yellow sunglasses, Keshav Agnihotri (SMG12) was the man of the hour: the bus was takinghim and his friends to Umbria in downtown Boston to celebrate his 21st birthday.

    http://www.umbriaprime.com/http://www.umbriaprime.com/http://bnebus.com/http://bnebus.com/
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    This night, the students wanted only one-way transportation. But, Kaplan said, BNE does offerprivate party packages (around $2,000, depending on the club) that cover round trips and spe-cial deals, like an entire floor reservation.

    Once everyone was aboard, the BNE cofounders slipped into their business roles. Castillo dili-gently guided Bien-Aim, shouting into his ear while referring to his iPhone for directions.Dubbed DJ Smooth, he is also in charge of music and multimedia. During the week, he lives inNew York, where he works on a nother sta rt-up , called Re gents Help, which prepares high schoolstudents for stat e-mandated exams . People person Pasinski danced in the aisle with customers.He has a full-time marketing job with American First Aid, a national company that provides firstaid and safety training for businesses. And Kaplan, a real estate developer with the MartinGroup in Manhattan, kept an eye over it all from the front of the bus. Im the one whos going tolose his hair first, he said with a broad grin.

    Kaplan and a team of School of Management students hatched the idea for the shuttle service inan entrepreneurship class senior year. Each of the students had horror stories about taxi rideshome after a night of clubbing. They were tired of paying exorbitant fares and waiting in the coldfor long periods (Kaplans record is an hour and a half). Their idea was voted best in the class,

    but only Kaplan wanted to pursue it after graduation. He recruited Pasinski and Castillo (bothentrepreneurs and college friends), and the trio began work on BNE last summer.

    Looking over the sea of dancing BU students, Kaplan said, Our customers are always the happi-est customers. As if on cue, Agnihotri screamed, I love you.

    See! Kaplan said, raising his eyebrows.

    Prodded by Kaplan, Pasinski grabbed the bus microphone as they approached Umbria. He sa-luted the birthday boy before launching his pitch.

    We are heretime to party! he crooned in a deep voice. We are the Boston Nightlife Express.Please check out bnebus.com for our weekly Friday schedule.

    After a 20-minute trip, the bus pulled up in front of Umbria and the raucous crowd filed off intothe chilly air. Agnihotri found out about the bus service, he said, through a socially connectedBU friend, one of several paid BNE promoters.

    It was a blast! Agnihotri said before joining his long line of friends.

    Spreading the word about BNE has been the alums biggest challenge. SMG lecturer Erik Molander, who taught Kaplans entrep reneurship class, h elped them eventually connect withpromoting firm 6one7 Productions, which has a close relationship with Boston clubs and

    brokered deals with places like Gypsy Bar and the Esta te, where BN E customers can avoid linesand get free or reduced entry.

    With the Umbria partygoers safely delivered, Castillo turned down the music and Bien-Aimsteered the bus back to the Charles River Campus. How are we doing on time? Castillo asked.I think were just on time, Kaplan answered.

    http://www.gypsybarboston.com/http://www.theestateboston.com/http://www.6one7productions.com/http://www.americanfirstaid.com/http://regentshelp.com/http://www.theestateboston.com/http://www.theestateboston.com/http://www.gypsybarboston.com/http://www.gypsybarboston.com/http://www.6one7productions.com/http://www.6one7productions.com/http://www.americanfirstaid.com/http://www.americanfirstaid.com/http://regentshelp.com/http://regentshelp.com/
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    Sure enough, the bus pulled up in front of the School of Hospitality Administration on scheduleat 11:15 p.m. for its only public ride into Boston that night. (Barring a private party booking, theservice usually offers two runs into Boston on Friday nights and at least one run back to cam-pus.) Five mensome of them friends of Kaplanspaid, got on the bus, and sat toward the

    back. After waiting a couple of minutes, Bien-Aim began his route to Gypsy Bar.

    All right, you guys, Kaplan said to the small crowd. Youve got a private bus to yourselves.

    Castillo kept the music low as he, Pasinski, and Bien-Aim talked about the New England Patri-ots Super Bowl prospects. They still had a final 1:40 a.m. pickup round to go, shuttling Emersonstudents returning from Allston to Boston and gathering BU students for a final ride back to theCharles River Campus and Harvard Street. That last round, they said, is usually the busiest of the evening.

    Whether packed with party revelers or just a few club-goers, BNE is rolling along.

    http://www.patriots.com/http://www.patriots.com/http://www.patriots.com/http://www.patriots.com/
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    Bus service lets Boston college students stay out pastT's closing timeBy Johanna Kaiser, Town Correspondent

    Bostons college students know how hard it can be to socialize once the clock strikes midnight--the Tstarts to shut down, cabs become scarce, and a long walk back home becomes a strong possibility.Now,three recent Boston University graduates hope to provide a safe, fun, and much later ride home to club-goers with their new bus service, Boston Nightlife Express.

    Everyone is having the time of their lives. It really is a special feeling just filling up a bus with collegeskids just looking to have a good time, Ryan Kaplan, one of the companys three co-founders, said in a

    phone interview.

    For a $3 to $5 bus ticket, students get a safe, simple lift to and from designated areas on their schoolscampus along with perks from clubs, like passes to the front of the line or a discounted price on cover charges.

    The kids jaws just drop when they get pizza, Kaplan said of another perk.

    Kaplan and co-founders Jonathan Castillo and Eric Pasinski did test runs of the service last semester andsince the start of this semester have been steadily picking up more and more students on their Friday nighttrips and occasionally run private trips for large groups.

    Although the service is taking a break for midterms, buses usually run through Boston University andEmerson College campuses to a stop central to downtown clubs, and could serve more colleges in the cityon more nights as the business expands.

    The company is also working with Salem State University and Endicott College, which has a private

    campus, to establish a bus line from those colleges to and from the city.

    Theres literally nothing to do in that area, said Pasinski, a Nahant resident. It gets pretty boring prettyfast.

    The lack of entertainment and transportation outside the city has Pasinski and Kaplan looking to expandto the suburbs, too, and the college officials they have talked to are considering getting on board.

    Theyve been very excited to get students into a more diverse social setting than the suburbs, Pasinskisaid.

    While the Boston Nightlife Expre ss buses offer an alternati ve to cabs and Ts limited service, its founderssay their goal isnt to compete, but help make travel in the city more efficient.

    Were not competing with the T, Pasinski said. Were finding a solution to its problems.

    http://bnebus.com/http://bnebus.com/http://bnebus.com/http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/fenway-kenmore/2012/02/bus_service_lets_college_stude.htmlhttp://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/fenway-kenmore/2012/02/bus_service_lets_college_stude.htmlhttp://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/fenway-kenmore/2012/02/bus_service_lets_college_stude.htmlhttp://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/fenway-kenmore/2012/02/bus_service_lets_college_stude.html
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    Inspired by blatant need, B oston Ni ghtlife Expressis a late-night T and taxi alternativeBy Samantha CurtinPosted by The Next Great Generation

    Since the dawn of time -- or at least since they started venturing off-ca mpus to par ty -- Boston -area college students have found themselves facing a dilemma in getting home come closingtime: The citys bars and clubs shut down at 2 a.m., but the T stops running by 1 a.m., and cabscan be pricey and hard to find.

    Knowing the situation well, recent Boston University graduates Jonathan Castil lo, Ry an Kaplan,and Eric Pasinski have com e up with a soluti on: the Boston Nightlife Express, a chartered coach

    bus that provides direc t transportatio n between downtown Boston and the areas college cam-puses in the hopes that students will travel safe, party more, and spend less, as their slogansays.

    It was absolute madness trying to get a taxi when the bars and clubs close at 2 a.m., saidKaplan. Having personally waited over an hour for a cab, he knew there was a blatant need foran affordable, direct, and immediately available way to get home.

    BNE curren tly off ers private rentals -- including free entry and line-cutting privileges at the venue of your choice -- and runs public routes serving BU and Emerson College. The number of customers and buses depends on the night, but at least one bus goes out every Friday, Kaplansaid. [On a recent weekend], about 50 percent of the seats on the bus were booked online be-forehand.

    By offering tickets fo r $3-$5 each w ay, payable by cash or credit card (great for those of us whonever carry cash!) when riders board the bus, the trio is doing everything in their power to make

    transportation to and from the citys nightlife as fun, easy, and, most importantly, cheap as pos-sible.

    You can enjoy your night until bars close at 2 a.m., and the bus is there when you leave, BUsenior Michael Powers told the Metro.

    Riders may also fi nd BNEs club promotions -- for e xample, free entry and lin e-cutting privilegesat Gypsy Bar -- attractive. While th e company mainly works wit h Gypsy Bar andBijou, they alsohonor special requests from students, tweeting daily to keep their followers up-to-date on pro-motions.

    There have been times when students requested a different club once they get on the bus, and we have been able to work out some last-minute deals with venues like The Estate and Royale inthe past, Kaplan said.

    Du e to the positive f eedback they've received so far, the company has plans to expand their serv-ice to Endicott/Sale m, Boston College, Tufts, and Brandeis someti me in the near future.

    h h d [ d ] k ld d d d

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