The question, however, is who determines what makes the T "friendlier." Musicians have their opinions, and the MBTA often disagrees with them.
This is the case with "T-TV," a plan to install televisions in subway stations this spring.
Diamond say he thinks the TVs, which will carry news, subway information and paid advertising, are a "terrific boost in customer service." He says although there will be some sound, mostly the system will be silent.
"It provides passengers with a ready source of information," he says. "We will be able to let people know instantly if there's a delay."
But many musicians are enraged at the prospect of new competition.
"That's going to completely wipe us out," says Gibbons, adding that the MBTA did not consult the Guild before approving T-TV.
In response to the plan, the Guild has sent letters of protest to the MBTA hierarchy and plans to seek help from Barrett.
According to Baird, the T has not responded to the letters, which were sent six weeks ago. But Diamond says that since many subway musicians are not members of the Guild, he doesn't assume that its complaints are representative of the whole community of musicians.
Despite the numerous conflicts between musicians and the MBTA, Baird says the Guild has accomplished some of its goals.
"People are not being arrested anymore and generally people can play in the subways. Considering where we were in '86 and '87, the situation is 100 percent better," he says.
Some musicians point out that another problem--lack of camaraderie among musicians--is as troublesome as the conflict between the Guild and the MBTA.
Wagner and Phillips say that, despite the Guild, musicians still don't cooperate well enough to improve their community.
"People couldn't stop looking beyond their own needs. They couldn't see the needs of the community," Phillips says.
Some musicians also say that competition for choice locations in the station is competitive, and sometimes becomes mean-spirited.
Traditionally, musicians meet early in the morning to flip a coin for the preferred positions and times. But Bob says some players don't honor this system and don't keep proper distance from other musicians.
"There used to be strong ethics," said Bob. "This year it's the worst it's ever been." He says the heightened competition is a result of an increase in the number of musicians and tough economic times.
In the end, subway musicians say fun--offering many a weary T-traveller relaxation and entertainment in the crowded, cold underground--is what they're all about.
"I just love music," Bob says. It's in my blood."