Human-Use Analysis

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Introduction
Closer Look
Experience
Summary
Conclusion
   
Trying out the T!
I am a relatively new user of the T; I moved to Boston 6 months ago and have only used it a few times before, usually with guidance. Therefore I thought it would be perfect for me to test out the T and see how it compared to my normal mode of transportation to do my errands (mainly walking, biking, or getting an Uber). For my T experience I took the bus, transferred, and then took the subway to my destination.
 
Transfer
1. When I first got off the bus I wasn't sure where to go. According to Google Maps the subway was supposed to be close by but I couldn't see it. It was only after I saw people from my bus crossing the street that I noticed a small hidden sign for the T in a building across the street.
2. When I first entered the subway station there were multiple fare vending machines and an ATM available for purchasing tickets.
3. I decided to try the fare vending machine and check how much money I had on my CharlieCard and add money to it for future travel.
4. The transaction with the fare vending machine was pretty simple, but also felt like a sensory overload. I was able to add money from my credit card to my CharlieCard. But it had me questioning why the vending machines were necessary. It would seem more convenient to have the entire process online.
5. The fare gate was was straightforward and I was able to tap my CharlieCard and enter on the first try. The only complication I could see would be if people did not have their card easily accessible it could cause a hold up if they had to dig through their bags to find it
6. After entering I immediately noticed two sides of the subway, inbound and outbound. As an infrequent user of the T I was unsure which side to go on and my Google Maps navigation did not indicate which side to take.
7. I stood examining the maps for a while until I noticed the outbound map had an endpoint for C Cleveland Circle. Eureka! This was the line that was written on my Google Maps, so I deduced that I was supposed to go on the outbound train.
8. I went downstairs and immediately saw a train leaving, I decided to be cautious and not jump on that first train. Then when I turned the corner I saw that the Cleveland Circle train wasn't expected for another 5min. Whew... close call, but maybe they should have placed that sign in a more visible location?
9. The correct train arrived and I boarded. Now I would navigate the subway!