The Most Dangerous Commute

Commuting to work can be annoying, frustrating, aggravating and sometimes dangerous.  Although a typical commute for the average worker tends not to involve anything too dramatic, we should never forget how much worse our commute could be.  Our Armed Forces commute to work everyday for us in the most dangerous situations where they never know what is coming next.  Check out these videos of some commutes in action.  BostonCommutes.

Commuting by Car? Check out eRideShare.com

Have you ever considered sharing your commute when driving to work?  If you have to drive to work consider sharing your commute with a fellow commuter by visiting eRideShare.com to see if anyone nearby is interested in sharing your commute also.  The best thing is that if you live near a major city and sometimes your commuting partner has schedule conflicts one of you could resort to using public transportation as an alternative on the days things don't match up.  Another plus is that the more people who share their commute, the better it is for our environment and infrastructure.  BostonCommutes.

A Commuter Tram in Boston? Would Be Cool.........

If there were a commuter tram in Boston, where would the best location for it be?  Cambridge to Copley?  Charlestown to Copley?  Not many people are aware but there is a commuter tram in NYC that offers spectacular views of the city and an alternative way to commute besides using the subway.  Check out this video of the tram in NYC.  Share your thoughts on where a good spot might be in Boston for a commuter tram.  BostonCommutes.

 

A Few Simple Tips to Make Commuting by Foot in Boston Better

When commuting by foot on a busy Boston sidewalk, here are some very basic, easy tips to keep in mind. If all pedestrians follow these simple tips, the world would be a better place as far as I’m concerned.

DO:
1. WALK!
2. Be aware of your surroundings --- people, traffic, signs, etc.

DO NOT:
1. Read anything other than a street sign (NO books, newspapers, electronic devices, etc.)
2. Text. If it involves taking your eyes off the sidewalk and the people around you, DON’T DO IT!

That's all. Thank you!

Red Line door wide open while crusing underground

Has anyone ever been on a subway with the door open while moving?  This is pretty different.  I am sure it makes for a different experience.  Speaking of different experiences while commuting, check out the first video below of the Red Line train moving pretty fast underground with the door open.  The next video shows that in India, they commute a lot differently than we do here in the United States.  Let's just say they don't consider safety a number one priority.  BostonCommutes

MBTA to Cut Service During Winter Storms

According to a recent report in the Boston Globe, the MBTA has announced a new plan to deal with harsh winter weather this year. To avoid a repeat of last winter when the T was inundated with criticism for equipment failures, service delays, stranded passengers, etc., the T has announced its plan for this winter: to run fewer trains in severe winter weather.

This might seem counterintuitive to some, but here’s the rationale:

Cancelling about 23% of commuter rail trains in advance will hopefully allow workers and equipment more time to keep up with battling the winter weather while giving remaining trains a better chance of arriving on time. As a reference point, three of every four commuter trains were late, and some stalled for hours, last winter. Buses and subways will see less dramatic service reductions.

The MBTA is urging riders to go to a new website, mbta.com/winter, for information on the T’s service during severe winter weather.

Top 5 Things to Do When Crammed onto a Train!

This morning's ride on the Franklin/Forge Park commuter rail line was the third in the past two weeks in which riders have been crammed into the cars. On one hand I appreciate the nice conductors' apologies for the situation and their attempts to get everyone on board, but on the other hand, I wish I didn't have to stand so close to the people around me (and I'm sure they feel the same way about me).

What's more is that when I am packed in so closely to these strangers, I don't know where to look! Since I don't want to stare directly into a stranger's eyes, here's my top five list of things to do/places to look when you find yourself jam packed into a train:

1. FLOOR - the floor is always a good option. There are lots of things to look at: people's shoes, garbage, bags, etc.

2. BODY PARTS - check out someone's neck, back or shoulders. This morning I saw one guy wearing a crazy looking bow tie, and a piece of lint on someone else's jacket.

3. HORIZON - try to catch a glimpse of the outside world via a window, or direct your stare further down the train to people on the other side, as it's always easier to stare at someone who may not realize you're staring right at them.

4. PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE - a neccessity on any train ride, really! Check your email or the news, play a game, listen to music, etc. Avoid talking on your phone though! It's bad enough when people talk on the phone in a non-crowded train...forget about when you're crammed in tightly and get stuck next to a phone talker.

5. BOOK - real or electronic is ok. Take this time to catch up on your reading. Opt for the book or e-book instead of a newspaper though, since a newspaper really requires much more personal/arm/lap space than you'll have in this situation.

Get Ready-Winter Commuting Right Around the Corner

Anyone looking forward to a winter like last year when we had to do a lot of commuting in the snow?  Probably not but you never know.  As long as it is safe to commute, it always makes for an adventure spicing up your typical morning.  That spice could consist of getting up at 4a.m. to start clearing the driveway or being in for a commute that is twice as long as a normal commute.  Check out this video below, hopefully it brings back pleasant memories.  Bostoncommutes

SQUEEZE just a little more

You think the subways are packed tight here in Boston during rush hour?  Check out this video.......

HEADS UP!!!

Wow, talk about differences in safety and standards when commuting.

Boston's North End - Galleria Umberto (Umberto's)

If you are fortunate enough that your commute takes you near or through the North End, you should try Umberto's if you have yet to experience this diamond in the rough.  This gem was # 19 on Alan Richman's top 25 pizza places in the U.S.

http://slice.seriouseats.com/archives/2009/05/alan-richman-gq-magazine-best-top-25-pizzas-in-the-us-america.html

Downtown Commute/SouthStation

Video of a commute from West Newton to downtown Boston and some other miscellaneous clips of downtown Boston during rush hour.

Bike-Friendly Boston: Commute by Bike (and enjoy the foliage too!)

While the weather is still nice, and as the leaves change color, why not consider a new mode of transportation for your daily commute??

This past July, Boston launched Hubway, a new bike-sharing system in the city and the first program of its kind in Massachusetts. Hubway has more than 600 bicycles available for short-term rental at 61 sidewalk vending stations spread across the city. Member fees and corporate sponsorships fund the program. Rentals cost $5 a day or $85 for annual memberships. More than 700 people have already signed up as members.

If you're tired of commuting by foot, or of riding in taxis or on the T, give Hubway a try!

Train Experience