Boston - Local Transportation Guide - Getting Around - Helpful Information | Boston Travel Ep# 2

Summary

Hipfig Travel Channel's guide to public transportation in Boston provides an insightful overview of the city's travel options, including the MBTA subway (T), buses, commuter rail, and ferries. The video explains how to use the CharlieCard for convenient fare payments and highlights key tips on navigating the T, which has five lines servicing the city. Additional options like hop-on hop-off bus tours and ferry routes are also discussed, making it easier for visitors to get around. Whether you're exploring downtown or commuting to nearby areas, this guide helps you travel efficiently and economically in Boston.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates buses and the subway (T) in Boston.
• 😀 The MBTA's subway system is commonly referred to as the 'T' and offers five color-coded lines: blue, green, orange, red, and silver.
• 😀 Fares for MBTA subway and buses can be paid using a Charliecard, a reloadable card that offers discounted transfers and free local bus transfers.
• 😀 Charliecards allow for stored value, letting passengers pay as they go for rides on the T and buses.
• 😀 The MBTA also runs a commuter rail system with two major terminals in Boston: South Station and North Station.
• 😀 In addition to the subway and commuter rail, the MBTA operates three ferry routes via Boston Harbor.
• 😀 The silver line is unique as it is a bus-operated rapid transit line, unlike the other subway lines which are train-operated.
• 😀 The T system uses a spoke-wheel design, with lines radiating outwards from central Boston, and trains are categorized as inbound (toward downtown) and outbound (away from downtown).
• 😀 Bus stops are conveniently located outside subway stations, making transfers between modes of transport easy.
• 😀 Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are available for tourists who want to quickly visit popular sites around Boston, with discounts available through passes like Citypass and Go Boston.
• 😀 Boston Harbor also offers boat tours, and some hop-on, hop-off services include additional boat tours, providing a scenic way to explore the city.

Q & A

What is the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)?

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates the public transit system in Boston, including the subway (known as the T), buses, commuter rail, and ferries.

What is the CharlieCard and how does it work?

The CharlieCard is a reloadable card that allows passengers to pay for rides on the MBTA subway and buses. It offers a convenient and economical way to pay, as fares are deducted each time you use it, and transfers are discounted or free with it.

What are the benefits of using a CharlieCard for public transportation in Boston?

Using a CharlieCard provides discounted fares on subway (T) transfers, and free transfers to local buses. It allows passengers to pay as they go with stored value, making it more convenient than purchasing individual tickets.

How many subway (T) lines are there in Boston and what are they?

Boston's MBTA subway system has five lines, which are color-coded: Blue, Green, Orange, Red, and Silver. The Silver Line is a bus service, while the others are train lines.

What is the difference between inbound and outbound trains on the MBTA?

Inbound trains travel towards the central downtown transfer stations, while outbound trains travel away from these stations, towards the suburbs and other destinations.

What is the purpose of the commuter rail system in Boston?

The commuter rail system connects Boston to the surrounding areas, with trains originating from South Station and North Station. It also connects to other transportation services like Amtrak and local buses.

What ferry services does the MBTA offer?

The MBTA operates three ferry routes in Boston Harbor. One connects the downtown waterfront to the Boston Navy Yard in Charlestown, and the other two are commuter routes linking downtown to Hingham, Hull, and Salem.

How many bus routes are operated by the MBTA in the Greater Boston area?

The MBTA operates 178 bus routes in the Greater Boston area, providing extensive coverage throughout the city and surrounding regions.

What is the advantage of taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Boston?

A hop-on, hop-off bus tour offers flexibility for visitors who want to explore major tourist attractions without dealing with public transportation. These tours make stops near popular sites and allow passengers to board or exit the bus as they please.

Where do most hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Boston originate from?

Most hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Boston start near the New England Aquarium, which is a central location for many tourist activities.