What is it like to take the "T" in Boston (public transportation) vs driving to work?

Question

I have NEVER used public transportation on a regular basis and am contemplating moving to Boston for a job, but I would have to take the T every day. What are the pros and cons? How easy is it? Do you drive to the T station - I just don't really know how all of this works

Answer 1

The subway is less stressful than driving hands down. THe southest expressway jams up around 645 every morning and it's bumpper to bumpper until about 930. The T is easy to navigate and allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in Boston as well as the surrounding areas. You can park at certain stations for about 3-4 dollars a day. But most of these stations tend to fill up early in the morning because people don't want to drive into the city. Also, driving into the city is one thing, finding parking is another. Most garages offer monthly parking for a fee of about 1200.00 a month or about 30.00 dollars a day. There are some parking "lots" about a mile from the financial district that are only about 10 dollars a day but they have the down side of the walk to and from.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 2

Depending on where you live and what station you'll be using some do offer parking. For example, Alewife train station on the Red line has a large parking lot, but it does fill up early in the morning. Other T stations do not have assigned parking. The T is easy to navigate, and cheap compared to other public transit systems. Depending where you are living and where you are working, some companies do not offer parking, so it may be your only option. It is, of course, slower, than if you were driving. Everything depends on specifics. If you think you'll like Boston, and it's a good job offer, I wouldn't really let that sway your decision. Best of luck!

Answer 3

The T is easy to use and fairly reliable. If you're moving to Boston find an apartment that is within walking distance to a T station. Real estate agents and apartment listings will advertise how close they are to a stop generally, so it's not something you have to figure out yourself. If you're living further out in the suburbs you can either drive to one of the outlying T stops or use the commuter rail to get you downtown and use the T. Here's the website - www.mbta.com.

Answer 4

Traffic is horrendous in Boston, so I would always take the T over driving. The T is for the most part reliable, but the cars are old, and do break down sometimes. I'm appalled at the recent rate increases, but it beats battling the traffic. I always try to walk as much as I can if I can avoid the T.

Answer 5

I am lucky because I literally live across the street from where the T stops (I'm on the green line). I probably wouldn't be able to find a parking space closer to my apartment building than that. I'd rather take the T than drive any day.

Answer 6

Depending on where you would be living, you can drive to a T station or walk. The T is generally very reliable and on schedule. It is fairly simple to master, and they have a website that is user friendly, I think its MBTA.com/or org. They have maps you can upload.

The T stations vary from small neighborhood parking lots to large secure lots.

Best of luck.

Answer 7

Well the T in the morning is consistant. It is crowded but it will never take extremily long or very short. Driving however does sometimes take a while but sometimes it can be quicker.