Boston Transportation Tips by diver-x

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: The T is in the process of changing its fare collection system from subway tokens (one token = one ride) to the Charlie Card, a new electronic fare system. You will be able to purchase cards in specific dollar increments and the fare will be decremented from your card each time you pass through the fare gates. This is a great idea, especially for visitors to Boston, who only had the choice of single subway tokens, daily visitors' passes (a rip-off if you ask me, at $7/day) or the weekly visitors' pass (again, not a great deal). Now you can purchase a card for $5 or more and use it until your fare is used up.

HOWEVER, leave it to the T to take a great idea and completely mess up the execution. You can't use the Charlie card at all subway stations yet. They are converting one station at a time and at the stations that have not been converted yet, you still have to use tokens. They've been converting stations since last year and they still have a lot left that are not converted. For instance, my husband, who doesn't travel the T every day took the Red Line subway from Alewife to South Station, unaware of the new system. So he bought 2 tokens at Alewife, expecting to use the 2nd token on the return trip. But on return at South Station, he was forced to buy a Charlie Card instead of using the token.

Here is a link to a page on the MBTA web site that lists all of the converted stations: http://www.mbta.com/projects_underway/afc/converted_stations.asp

Monthly passes have already been converted to Charlie and can be used on subways, Commuter Rail and buses. No word yet on when buses & commuter rail will be converted for specific dollar amount cards.

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Website: http://www.mbta.com

'Mode': TO
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: Many people prefer water-shuttles & ferries to get to & from Logan Airport or to & from the North & South Shores. See http://tdc-www.harvard.edu/massbike/info/ferries.htm for a list & additional links for water transportation.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: .
Take a train or Bus to South Station, or plane to Logan airport. Free shuttle busses leave every airport terminal to public transportation, although the Airport T-stop (Blue Line) is kind of a drag (old and dirty, but safe). I cannot stress enough that driving in Boston should be left to the locals.
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Take the T! It's pretty easy to get the hang of it and it's safe. For more info:
http://www.mbta.com
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For information about Logan Airport see:
http://www.massport.com/

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Website: http://www.mbta.com
Other Contact: http://www.massport.com/

'Mode': TO
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: I discovered how unwise it is to fly standby to Boston the weekend after Presidents' Day (usually the 3rd week in Feb). Many schools in New England have that week off, so it is a popular family vacation week. Anyway, that plus a blizzard earlier in the week meant there were a lot more people wanting to go to Boston's Logan airport than there were seats available. If you ever find yourself in this situation, see if you can fly into Providence, RI instead. TF Green airport is becoming a viable alternative to Logan. And the Bonanza bus runs from TF Green to Boston just about every hour for $19 one-way. See the website for schedule. They also go to other Massachusetts and New England destinations. The bus ride from TF Green to Boston's South Station takes about an hour and a half.

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Phone: 1-888-751-8800
Website: http://www.bonanzabus.com/

'Mode': TO
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: This question is often posed in the forums so here goes:

What is the inexpensive bus service that runs between Boston & New York?

The Fung Wah bus goes from Chinatown Boston to Chinatown New York and back for $15 each way. See http://www.fungwahbus.com for more information.

Bonanza Bus has a service from 150 Huntington Ave., Boston to either 32nd St. x Corner of Broadway or E. 86th Street. x 2nd Ave. in NYC and is also $15 each way. See http://www.ivymedia.com/busschedule/ and click on the Boston=>NY schedule.

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Website: http://www.fungwahbus.com