MBTA Riders Use Social Media to Urge Improvements on T

More and more T riders have turned to social media in an attempt to urge MBTA officials to improve the customer experience. Here are some people who are tweeting all kinds of Boston commuter-relevant information on Twitter:

@D-MoveBoston (rants)

@mbtainfo (real-time arrival info)

@MBTARules (un-official rules)

@mbtaa-holes (rants and raves)

Helpful Tips and Information for Holiday Weekend Travel

When planning your trip back to the Boston area after a nice turkey dinner, take a few minutes to check out Boston.com for useful travel information. Additionally, here are some tips for air, road and rail travel:

Tips for the Air:

§         Arrive early

§         Travel light 

§         Print out boarding passes ahead of time

§         Check for delays

§         Remember your ID

§         Don't stress

Tips for the Road:

§         Know when to go (The Wednesday before, and Sunday after, Thanksgiving are usually the busiest times on the road; avoid these travel times.)

§         Bring snacks

§         Check weather conditions

§         Rest up for the drive

Tips for the Rails:

§         Know when to go (The Wednesday before, and Sunday after, Thanksgiving are usually the busiest times on the road; avoid these travel times.)

§         Know the baggage policy

§         Check for schedule updates online

§         Buy ticket ahead of time

New MBTA Mobile Website Launched Yesterday!

The MBTA launched a new mobile website yesterday morning that’s intended to provide customers with more useful information, in a much more user-friendly format. When a user visits the MBTA website on a mobile device, the site recognizes the type of smartphone a person is using and presents a format specifically designed for that type of device. See the Boston.com article for more information.

Features of the new mobile site include:
 A real-time Google Maps trip planner.
 A service-alerts box color-coded by subway line and transit mode.
 A customer comment form.
 Access to mobile apps, most aimed at telling riders when a bus or train is arriving.

Two goals of the new mobile site are:
1. To make problems easier for the T to identify and correct (via customer comments).
2. To help customers better navigate the system when they are out and about in Boston.

I checked out the new mobile site via my BlackBerry today, and the site is definitely a fantastic improvement! I was very impressed with the format and information. Good job, MBTA!

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!

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.

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

Things to Do for Fun in Boston

 

Here are 10 fun things to do in Boston, which have you done???

1. Walk the Boston Freedom Trail

2. Graze in Boston Public Garden

3. Admire Art in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

4. Drink in the Samuel Adams Brewery Tour

5. Make a Run for Fenway Park

6. Educate Yourself in Harvard Square

7. Shop Newbury Street

8. Sail to Boston Harbor Islands

9. Visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

10. Chow Down in Boston's Chinatown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is HOV?

As I drove in to work this morning, I saw signs for the HOV lane and wondered if people know what that is. None of the signs really explain what the HOV lane is. All I know is that a state trooper guards the entrance to the special lane, entry speed is 35 mph and you need 2+ people. I figured I’d get more details on the HOV lane for anyone who’s interested…

HOV stands for high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes. In the Boston metropolitan region there are two HOV lanes: one on I-93/Southeast Expressway that connects downtown Boston and Route 3 at the Braintree Split interchange, and a southbound, buffer-separated lane on I-93 North that approaches Boston from the north.

I-93 South HOV lane: On weekdays, it is open to northbound traffic between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM and to southbound traffic between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The HOV lane “borrows” a freeway lane from the general-purpose lanes in the off-peak direction and converts it to a peak-direction HOV lane that is open to carpools (cars with two or more occupants), vanpools, buses, and motorcycles.

I-93 North HOV lane: This HOV lane is open to vehicles with two or more occupants and to all motorcycles between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, Monday through Friday. The lane is open to all traffic at all other times.

Try to find someone to carpool with, and you may enjoy a faster commute into the city!

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!

Courtesy Counts...MBTA Launches Ad Campaign Urging Riders to be Kind

Earlier this week, the MBTA launched its new kindness campaign that urges bus and train riders to be more courteous to each other. The campaign ads feature facetious newspaper headlines such as these:

“Man gives up seat for pregnant woman! -- Red Line passengers witness display of good manners”

“Woman covers mouth while sneezing! -- Germs stay put, don’t get a free ride”

“Crowd waits patiently while others exit train!! -- No rush. No crush. No problem.”

The campaign’s main message is that “Courtesy shouldn’t be big news.” Duh! Seems like common sense. But, as we all know, there are quite a few people out there who really could use a crash course in common sense and in how to be courteous to one another!

Have you seen these ads during your commute? Which one is your favorite? What other types of headlines would you propose if the MBTA were to expand this campaign?

Cutting Etiquette-Cutting People in Line

During my commute the other day, I stopped by a local Dunkin Donuts.  Place was packed as it was during the rush around 8:30 a.m.  I am about ten people deep in line thinking about the wonderful day that lies ahead, sitting in the cube, small chatter with fellow cubies and the occasional printing.  As I get closer to placing my order and am now about three people from the register, a girl from out of nowhere scoots in front of me and starts talking with her friend who was in front of me.  Now, this is ok but everyone knows why she is talking to her new BFF who is just another office acquaintance.  It is to cut the line.  How do I know they are just office acquaintances?  It was so obvious.  They tried to pay SEPARATELY!  I am all good with people pulling stunts like cutting, I have done it and I am sure most people have.  But unless its your first day at work in a big city where people take waiting in line for coffee or lunch pretty seriously or you have never waited in a line before in your life, you NEVER, EVER cut someone and then pay separately.  The whole reason it is slightly alright for you to cut is because you are just adding one or two additional items to an order but the transaction is still going to be the same in terms of swiping the credit card and giving a receipt.  I knew when the girl in front of me placed her order and didn't ask the cutter what she wanted that they were going to pay separately.  So I leaned in and said to the cutter, aren't you going to order?  Her friend looked at her with an attitude towards me and said what do you want?  Its funny how people think that when they do things which are rude and inconsiderate it is alright.  I didn't want to have etiquette class in Dunkin Donuts at 8:30 a.m. during rush hour so I let it be.