Public transportation in Boston dates back well over 100 years, and it was in 1897 that the first subway in America opened between Park Street and Boylston Street next to the Boston Common. The first subway began as a joint venture between the West End Railway Company and the Boston Elevated Railway Company. The Boston Elevated Railway company eventually met financial hardship and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts formed theMetropolitan Transit Authority (or the MTA, which is heard in the famous song Charlie on the MTA) in 1947. In 1964, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) was formed by the Massachusetts Legislature, and remains the provider for public transit today. The modern MBTA currently runs subway trains, buses, commuter boats, and an extensive commuter rail system in 78 cities and towns in and around Boston and Massachusetts, as well as one line that ends in Providence, RI. For a complete history of the MBTA, see their website.