Boston Public Transportation

Boston is nationally known for its irate drivers and maze-like roads. It's no wonder why over 800,000 people choose to board public transportation everyday as opposed to dealing with gridlock and road rage.

Boston is actually the birthplace of American mass transportation. This common act of passage started with a ferry service in 1631 to connect Boston, which was then a peninsula, to the mainland. Today, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) manages the nation's fourth largest public transit system. The four-line rapid transit system, trolley buses, commuter rail, and ferries service 176 cities and towns in Eastern and Central Massachusetts.

MBTA General Manager Robert H. Prince Jr. said, "We constantly challenge ourselves to deliver safe, accessible, dependable, clean and affordable transportation while at the same time improving efficiency and cost effectiveness."

Such improvements include the North Station "Super station" and the Silver line, which are still under construction. The "Super station" is a new underground "super platform" station for the Green and Orange subway lines located near Canal St. across from the old Boston Garden. The goal is for easier, safer, and more accessible walkways for commuters. The "Super station" is planned to open during summer 2004.

The Silver-line, which is an advanced bus rapid transit, will originate from Dudley Sq. and travel to Logan Airport upon completion in 2010. The construction is being completed in stages; therefore sections of the railing will be open by 2002 for commuters to board.

The MBTA mission statement is "Committed to excellence, the MBTA strives to provide safe, accessible, dependable, clean, and affordable transportation to our valued customers, through the dedication of our diverse and talented workforce." Because of its safety, convenience, and accommodating prices, public transportation in Boston makes life easier without a car.

SUBWAY

The Boston subway, more commonly know as the "T", consists of four different colored rails that travel both under and above ground. Starting at 5:30 a.m., the subway runs every five to ten minutes, with increased service during peak commuting times. The subway stops running at 12:30 a.m. for maintenance and up-keep.

Depending on where you are leaving from, the fare may differ. The adult fare is $1.00, with discounts for children and seniors. If however, a passenger is riding outbound, and above ground, the ride is free. Rides from the red line's Quincy Center, Quincy Adams, or Braintree, cost $2.00, and rides inbound on the green line's D train can cost up to $2.50. For the frequent commuters, monthly "T" passes are available at certain subway stations for $35.00. Passes may be purchased at major stops such as Government Center, North Station, or Harvard Square during the first and last week of the month.

The red line is the longest of the four transit lines, beginning at Alewife station in Cambridge to both Mattapan and Branintree. This line services South Station and many Universities. The orange line travels from Oak Grove station in Melrose to Jamaica Plain. This line brings commuters from northern suburbs into the city and also connects to North Station and the commuter rails. The blue line services Logan Airport, connecting to MASSPORT shuttles at the subway terminal. The rail starts at Bowdoin station and ends at the Wonderland dog track, making stops at New England Aquarium and Revere Beach.

The last transit rail is the green line which is divide into four more lines: B, C, D, and E. The Boston College line or B line begins at Lechemere in Cambridge and travels through Boston University's campus, down Commonwealth Avenue. The C line, Cleveland Circle, follows Beacon St. running through Brookline beginning at Government Center. The D line, Riverside, runs from Lechmere through the Longwood Medical area, ending at Riverside Station in Newton. This line services Fenway Park. Finally, the E line, Heath St., begins at Lechmere and travels to Northeastern University, Symphony Hall, and the Museum of Fine Arts. This line ends at Heath St. in Jamaica Plain.

Due to the need for late-night services, the MBTA has a one-year pilot program called the Night Owl. This late night accommodation runs from 1:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. These "Rail Buses" depart from Government Center and services seven bus routes, and 10 new subway corridors. The cost to ride the Night Owl is $1.00; however, a "T" token or monthly pass can substitute.

BUS

The Boston bus system consists of over 9,000 stops on the 170 routes. Like the subway, buses start running at 5:30 a.m. and stop at 12:30 a.m. Bus fare is only 75 cents with discounts for children and seniors. Monthly passes are also available for $25 for bus, or $57 for combination bus and subway passes. Passes can be purchased at the same locations as "T" passes.

COMMUTER RAIL

The commuter rail links suburbs to Boston. This form of public transportation is focused at the daily commuter. Service from northern suburbs ends at North Station, where southern suburbs are taken to South Station. The commuter rail consists of nine different zones, connecting to suburbs such as Newburyport, Worcester, Providence, and Lowell.

Passengers can ride the commuter rail for $2.00 during peak hours and $1.00 during off-peak hours. A number of ticket packages are available such as 12 tickets for $11.00 or 10 tickets for $16.00 to $25.00 (depending on where one is traveling). Discounts are given to children and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at both North and South Stations along with some select convenience stores.

AIRPORT WATER SHUTTLE / COMMUTER BOAT

This form of public transportation is directed toward Waterfront residences looking for an easy short cut to Logan Airport. The shuttle leaves from Rowes Wharf every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes from 8:00 p.m. from Friday to Sunday. The 10 minute one way trip costs $10.00 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.

The commuter Boat service is available for Quincy, Waterfront, and Charlestown residents. The boat makes frequent trips to the Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and New Bedford. These trips cost $1.25 for a one way ticket on any route in the harbor. Tickets can be purchased on board.

OTHER TRANSIT OPTIONS

For out-of-state travel, South Station services AMTRAK as well as several bus companies such as Greyhound, Peter Pan, and the Vermont Transit. AMTRAK is also available however, at Back Bay Station on the orange line. For bus travel, prices vary depending on the bus carrier that a passenger chooses. Tickets can be purchased either on-line or at the ticket counter.

For business travelers, AMTRAK offers a New York commute several times a day for $100.00 round trip. In addition, the new all electric Acela train can make the commute in just four hours and costs $112.00 round trip. Acela trains have also started a commute to Washington D.C. which is more expensive, costing around $200.00. These can be purchased on on-line, at the ticket counter, or at 800-USA-RAIL .

For specific schedule, map, pass, and fare information for MBTA services, call 800-392-6100 or visit their website at www.mbta.com .

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