Hop the "T"! and other Boston, MA Transportation Tips

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: Boston's transportation system is the MBTA, or "T" for short. This includes the subways system, buses, the commuter rail (train) and even waterfront/boat service. When people in Boston refer to taking the "T" however, they are usually refering to the subway lines, and calling a bus a bus and so on.

There are 4 main lines: Red, Green, Blue and Orange. For simplicity, think of it as two running North and South, and two running East and West with the intersections forming a square of 4 stops. "Inbound" simply means you are heading into that square, "Outbound" means you are heading away from the square.

To ride the subway it will cost you $2.00, but if you opt to buy a refillable "Charlie Card" your ride will only cost you $1.70. Bus is $1.50, or $1.25 using the Charlie Card.

On the subway, the main points of interest can be found as followed:

Red line: Cambridge, Harvard University, MIT, Boston Common, the State House, Downtown Crossing (shopping) and down south into South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy and Braintree.

Blue Line: Government Center, State Street, Aquarium, Airport and Suffolk Downs

Orange Line: North Station, Haymarket (North End), State Street, Downtown Crossing and Chinatown

Green Line: Science Park (Museum of Science), North Station, Haymarket (North End), Government Center, Park Street, Arlington, Boylston, Copley Square, Kenmore (Fenway Park area), Boston University, Boston College, Symphony Hall...

It is important to note that the Green line splits after Copley and again after Kenmore. There are 4 lines: B, C, D & E. If running outbound in that direction past Copley or Kenmore, be sure to find which line you should be on.

One more important tip about the Green line: it can be a crazy ride!
With service both above and below ground, these trolley cars have been known to whip around corners. So hold on.

The MBTA sells passes, visitor passes, weekly passes & monthly passes depending on the length of time you are planning to stay. You may also buy these online.

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Website: http://www.mbta.com

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: Leaving Logan airport for the first time is bound to leave you a bit confused as does getting away from most airports the cheapest and easiest way.

If you don't want to shell out the cash for a taxi, the easiest way from airport to city center is taking the airport shuttle to the T. After exiting the terminal, stand at the bus stop and wait for any bus that reads "SUBWAY" or "MBTA BLUE LINE"- this takes you directly to the blue line Airport stop on the T. The ride, depending on which terminal you are at, will take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes and there are loads of suitcase racks on board. This shuttle is free and your easiest, cheapest and best bet to get into the city.

Once at the T, take the line "inbound' to go towards city center (another 10 minutes).

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: I never really thought about this until it happened to me recently but when getting into a cab, especially from the airport, MAKE SURE it has a meter. I ended up climbing into the first car I saw asking if i needed a taxi and halfway home, realized there was no meter...actually there was nothing in the car to make me think it was a cab at all. Once I got to my place the guy tried to tell me it was $40 flat rate and I have never had to pay more than $25 (tip included) to get home from the airport.

Sometimes after long flights we don't really think that any yahoo that asks if you need a cab might not be the best choice, but it is just a general warning because the outcome of that ride was a messy and loud one. Needless to say he didn't get the full amount and he was pissed.

Make sure your cab has a real meter to avoid any ripoffs.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: The #1 gripe I hear from people who visit Boston is how horrible an experience driving is here.

Usually without fail there are at least 6 huge construction projects going on at the same time. You could drive through the city each day of the week and the way you drove Monday, would be different than Tuesday and different than Wednesday...you *must* pay attention to any and all detour and direction signs, but even then I wouldn't be surprised if you still didn't end up where you meant to because who can follow 23 signs nailed to each other with arrows pointing in all directions?

Another thing that makes driving a bit difficult in Boston is that most of the streets in the area are one-way. This can make even the most seasoned of Boston drivers a bit dizzy should they miss their turn. Loop upon loop...trying to make your way back to where you wanted to be is the stuff nightmares are made of.

Last but not least is the issue of good ol' parking. This is the sole reason I sold my car when I moved into the city. On a weekly basis I would receive 2-3 parking tickets...no matter how closely I followed the parking signs. "PARKING ONLY ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAY and FRIDAYS BEFORE 7pm BUT NOT AFTER 10am AND ONLY IF THERE IS NO SNOW ON THE GROUND IN WHICH CASE PARK ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STREET BUT ONLY IF YOU DO 10 JUMPING JACKS FIRST AND RECITE THE NATIONAL ANTHEM"...and that's *if* you find a spot.

Good luck on that.

If you must drive into Boston, there are many parking garages in the area. I would suggest leaving it there and walking or taking the T for the day. Also, if you look on the T website (http://www.mbta.com) you can figure from the direction you are coming from and usually can park at the last T station stop (such as the Red Line - Alewife garage) for a cheaper fee and just take the T all the way in.

You've been warned!

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