Transportation
Transportation
Getting from point A to point B in Boston can be more difficult than that first 8.01 exam. This chapter covers every mode of transportation in the Boston area, as well as tips on getting to the airport and finding your way around the area, and different methods of long-distance travel.
Airplanes
Airplanes are useful, especially for those whose families live far away. People who intend to make a reservation for a "supersaver'' flight for winter break should start in October. You can call most airlines day or night for reservations and information.
With the advent of airline deregulation, fares are changing daily. It definitely pays to let your fingers do the walking (Toll-free numbers are listed below). In addition, you can check out
Dealwatch from WebFlyer for discount fare information.
If you are going to New York or Washington, flying may be cheaper than you can imagine. The USAir Shuttle departs hourly for NY and the Delta Shuttle departs every hour on the half hour; no reservations are required for either.
Note: If you are flying a long distance and have to make a connection in New York City, make sure that you go to the airport that has the desired flight. New York has three separate airports which are quite far apart, and it is very expensive to get from one to another.
The following is a list of airline reservation and information numbers, as well as the Logan terminal letter for each airline. Other toll free numbers may be obtained by dialing 1-800-555-1212 (the toll-free directory-assistance number.)
Airport
Logan Airport (Massachusetts Port Authority , 567-5400) is the eighth busiest airport in the world, handling commercial flights to everywhere in the US and many foreign cities. Travel time from MIT to Logan runs about 45 minutes by MBTA (though it can be less) or half an hour to two hours by cab, depending ontraffic conditions. Avoid rush hour if possible. International Arrivals for most airlines are in Terminal E.
Shuttle buses provide free service between airline terminals and the Airport T Station on the MBTA Blue Line.
Shuttle Bus 22 serves Terminals A and B.
Shuttle bus 33 serves Terminals C, D, and E.
Shuttle bus 11 is for transport between all terminals, but does not stop at Airport Station.
Shuttles run between 5:30 AM and 1:00 AM.
The T is the best and most inexpensive way to get to the airport, provided you don't have much to carry. From MIT, take either the Red Line to Park Street or the #1 Dudley bus to the ICA/Convention Center station). Once on the Green Line, take it to Government Center. Transfer to the Blue Line and get off at the Airport stop. A free Massport bus takes you to your terminal. (See above for which bus to take.) Leave early during rush hour as things tend to get very hectic. Even so, it is probably the fastest way during rush hour since cars slow to a crawl through the airport tunnel.
Travel Agents
There are four travel agencies that serve the MIT community. Council Travel (225-2555) in the basement of the Student Center caters to students, and can be especially useful if traveling abroad. Crimson Travel Service (868-2600) at 39 JFK Street in Harvard Square has a good reputation. The Kendall Square office of Heritage Travel (x3-7961, domestic; or x3-7964, international) is convenient (also 868-2666). Topaz Travel Inc. (x3-3004) will deliver tickets to any MIT office.
Bicycles
A two-wheeler can be a good answer to traffic and parking problems - if the thought of facing Boston drivers doesn't scare you off. Cyclists are legally expected to obey all traffic laws (although many don't, angering drivers, especially cabbies, to no end and making for general mayhem on the streets). Although enforcement for bicycles is almost non-existent, obeying the law is usually your best bet.
It is advisable to put a full set of reflectors on your bike along with a headlight (they're required by law) and to wear a safety helmet (how much is your head worth?). Extra precautions, including proper reflector and lights, should be taken when you ride at night.
The Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (Cambridge, 491-7433) works on legislation to help commuting cyclists. Among other things, they help new commuting cyclists with a bike-buddy service and with workshops. Call them for information on their services, such as discounts at local bicycle stores and tours.
The Charles River Wheelmen (131 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge) organize frequent bike trips and sports events. See Prof. David Wilson (3-447, x3-5121) if you are interested in the more esoteric aspects of cycling such as researching bike dynamics or developing new bike routes.
Some dormitories have bike repair facilities. Generally these are for the use of dormitory residents only. Also, the MIT Outing Club sometimes holds bicycle repair sessions and organizes bike trips.
On-campus parking, bicycles
There are indoor or covered bicycle parking areas located in the breezeway under building 39, in the basement of Buildings 3 and 13, and in most of the dormitories. The area in Building 13 has a card-key system. You can register for a card-key at Campus Police headquarters for $2.50. Other bicycle areas are located throughout the campus. But don't take it for granted that a high-traffic area is safe: it probably isn't.
The wide variety of bicycle racks is the result of several experimental designs tried by Physical Plant, the Planning Office, and others. If you have any particular favorite or suggestions for new designs, Physical Plant (x2-1505) would like to hear about them.
One place where bicycles should never be parked is on the handrails of the steps of the Hermann Building (E53) (or any other handrails). There have been several accidents involving blind people falling over bicycles left there, and Physical Plant has been known to cut chains and remove bicycles from improper locations. They have no objections to the use of light poles, no-parking signs, or trees as long as safety hazards are not created. In addition, never park your bike on any wheelchair ramp, including the ramps in front of the Student Center.
Theft
Theft is a tremendous problem. Both Boston and Cambridge are so well supplied with bicycle thieves that the chance of leaving even a cruddy bicycle unlocked overnight and finding it the next day is minuscule. Things are somewhat better during the day, but not much.
The only two bike locks which stand much of a chance of saving your bike are the Citadel and the Kryptonite. Both are available at the Bicycle Workshop and come with insurance. Boston thieves, however, frequently take wheels, seats, and anything else not locked on.
Bicycles should be registered with the Campus Police and with the Cambridge Police in Central Square (5 Western Ave.). It costs 25 cents but helps them recover your bike if it is stolen. Be sure to record your bike's serial number since that is the only way to positively identify it. Also, Cambridge police will not look for your cycle if you can't give them a serial number.
Transporting your bicycle
Bicycles are absolutely forbidden on MBTA buses. They are only permitted on the subways on Saturdays and Sundays, and after 8 PM, and then only with a permit and not on the green line. Check with the MBTA for more information.
If you are traveling on Amtrak, you can bring your bike for about $4 if you remove headlights and batteries and turn down the handlebars, reverse the handles, and box it. Be sure to show up at the station a half hour early and try to be on hand when the bike is loaded and unloaded. Make sure there are baggage rooms at the stations at both ends of the trip and avoid the Turbotrain and Metroliner which have no baggage cars.
Most major airlines will provide boxes for shipping bicycles. They charge a set fee for shipping anywhere in the US.
Buses
There are only two bus terminals in Boston: Concord Trailways (Atlantic and Summer Sts., Boston, MBTA: South Station) and Greyhound (10 St. James Ave., Boston, MBTA: Arlington). All other bus lines use one of these two terminals. If you don't know which company you want, call Concord Trailways (1-800-639-3317) or Greyhound (1-800-231-2222) and tell them where you want to go; they will explain which company serves your destination. Then call the company - there may be one small line serving a particular locality. Bus lines will take you almost anywhere on the continent, and they are the cheapest form of transportation on most routes. Don't give up trying to call Greyhound. You may think that they forgot you when they put you on hold, but generally someone will answer if you wait fifteen minutes or so.
Buses, Local See Public Transportation
Cars
A car can be a great advantage, but driving in Boston involves a large set of aggravations (including Boston drivers). In addition, registration, insurance, maintenance, and gas can get pretty expensive. There is a good chance you can get by without a car in Boston and save a lot of money and aggravation. However, parking problems notwithstanding, a car is normally the best means of transportation for people living far from MIT.
Keeping your car is a non-trivial problem, since thieves abound. Boston has the highest auto theft rate in the country. Even daylight thefts are amazingly frequent; professionals can steal a car in less than five minutes. Try installing an alarm, especially if your car is new or otherwise desirable. However, be attentive to locking your car properly when you have one; car thieves listen for an alarm that indicates that the driver has left his door open. Try to park your car in a well-lit and conspicuous spot where an alarm buzzer will attract somebody's attention. Don't leave anything of value in the passenger area for thieves to see. Also, steering, clutch, or ignition locks will slow down (but not stop) a thief. Contact Campus Police for more advice. They have a list of anti-theft devices with an evaluation of each one.
Driver's License
In order to get a license to drive in Massachusetts one has to go to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (North Station). If you don't already have an out-of-state license you have to take both the written test and the driving test. Otherwise, you just have to cough up the cash. After a $47.50 fee in both cases you have a genuine Massachusetts license.
Insurance
Massachusetts auto insurance always seems to be in a state of flux. However, one thing that remains constant is the cost; it is among the highest in the nation. Insurance has changed somewhat over past years. It has fluctuated between the "fault'' and the "no-fault'' systems. Your best bet for getting accurate information is to contact the insurance broker of an insurance company. Campus Police may also be helpful.
If you are insured in another state, you must have the equivalent of the minimum insurance required by Massachusetts state law. In addition, at the beginning of the new year when you renew your policy, you must inform your insurance company that your car is now principally garaged in Massachusetts. This will result in your having to pay Massachusetts insurance rates. Please note that you should give your company the name of the city you are actually living in as rates vary by city (Boston being the highest and Cambridge one of the next highest). While you might be tempted not to report to your insurance company that your car is in Massachusetts, you would be running a serious risk. The company would not normally catch you, but if you get into a collision, they could easily find out in the process of the investigation and refuse to pay you anything at all. Thus, you may effectively have no insurance coverage at all.
If you were insured in another state, you will save money (cancellation fees and the like) by insuring with the same company in Massachusetts if they have agents here. Likewise, you will do well to insure with a nationwide company if you are not a permanent Massachusetts resident. Check around with a few agents and see what they have to offer, since auto rates in Massachusetts are fixed by law. Note that Allstate no longer sells insurance in Massachusetts.
Registration
All student-owned cars must be registered with the Campus Police annually. In addition, out-of-state cars must be registered with the local police. You can do this in the Armory on Registration Day or anytime at the Campus Police Office at 120 Mass. Ave. (W31-215). The information sheet MIT Motor Vehicle Regulations gives information about motor vehicles and MIT.
Massachusetts Registration: In order to register a car in Massachusetts you must have the required minimum insurance and pay an excise tax of 2.5% based on the value of the car. Also, cars registered in Massachusetts must pass an annual auto inspection which includes an emissions test. Tests can be done at most service stations that have repair facilities. Emissions tests generally run by numbers on your license plate. Inspections run on a yearly basis.
Out-of-State Registration: Rules vary depending on which state you are from, but the following generally applies: If you are from outside Massachusetts you will probably do well to keep your out-of-state registration. According to state law you must register your car within thirty days of becoming "gainfully employed'' here. (Graduate students receiving a stipend or having a fellowship or assistantship may fall under this category.) Otherwise, you are probably able to keep your registration, provided you don't become a legal resident of Massachusetts. (Registering to vote or getting married may affect your status.) In any of these cases check with Campus Police or the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Questions about Massachusetts vehicle laws and regulations concerning out-of-state cars (including insurance) may be addressed to the Campus Police (x3-1212).
A useful information sheet is included in your registration material each term.
Carpools
You can reduce pollution, save on gas and other expenses, and perhaps make some friends if you join or organize a commuter carpool. The classified ads in Tech Talk and the Planning Office (x3-5831) are handy for locating rides/riders.
Car Rental
Most companies require a major credit card and won't rent to anyone under 21 (25 at airport locations), but several nearby agencies will rent on a cash basis to students 18 and over with an MIT ID. (Dollar rents to those over 18 for an extra $5 a day.) All require a valid driver's license. Shop around for the best deal since rates vary considerably. Which agency offers the lowest price depends in part on when and where you'll be traveling, how long you'll be gone, and how many miles you'll be driving. Some offer week-long, weekend, or overnight rates, some have unlimited free mileage, and some restrict travel to within New England. For a short trip, a cheap "rent-a-wreck'' from a small, local firm may be all you need, while you may want to rent from a reputable national agency for a long journey. With a national company, you can rent one-way, although usually this is prohibitively expensive. In general, the places closest to MIT (including branches of national agencies) have the lowest rates, airport locations the highest, with Hertz and Avis the most exorbitant. Before you sign any rental agreement, read it thoroughly. Check who else is authorized to drive the car and make sure the odometer reading written down is correct and that any damage to the body of the car has been noted. People have rented cars with malfunctioning heaters, burned out lights, flat spare tires, and no jack, even from well known national agencies - so take the time to look over the car carefully. Don't be intimidated by an impatient salesperson; you're the one who will be driving and will be responsible for this many-thousand-dollar metal heap. Note that many credit cards let you waive the rental company's insurance.
Driving, Distance
If you own a car, driving can be the most convenient way to get where you're going if your destination is far away. However, if you are traveling alone, driving can be extremely expensive and tiresome. Riders and drivers can find each other through the APO ride board on the second floor of the Student Center. Want ads in Tech Talk and The Boston Phoenix also work.
If you don't own a car and can't get a ride with someone else, renting a car may be the least expensive, most convenient option. See above.
One way to get a car for a long distance trip is to call one of the auto delivery services listed in the Yellow Pages under Automobile Transporters. They have cars that need to be taken to many parts of the country, and they will pay some expenses.
Driving Tips
Many intersections which should have stoplights do not. Some of those that do also have pedestrian-operated lights, but watch out for pedestrians who blithely cross against the light and expect you to come to a screeching halt. The area is full of them. (MIT students are among them, as pedestrian behavior at 77 Mass. Ave. illustrates.) Watch also for pedestrians crossing at any random point, which happens most frequently around a college (such as MIT), but is pandemic.
Boston drivers are unbelievably bad, even for a large American city. On any given day, you can see the entire repertoire of wrong turns, U-turns, nerve-wracking lane changes, light crashing, weaving, speeding (too fast or too slow), plus some new tricks, such as charging up the left side of a street at 60 mph in order to be able to make a left turn against the oncoming traffic before the light goes red. The traffic pattern at red lights is that people keep zipping through 1 1/2 seconds after the light turns red but don't move when it turns green for about the same time (which balances things). Massachusetts has one of the lowest auto fatality rates in the country, but may be #1 in "fender-benders."
Parking
Parking is a problem, but it's not too bad if you don't mind walking long distances and feeding meters. Meter-maids patrol until 6 pm Monday -- Saturday, so if you neglect to pay up you're very likely to get tagged. A parking ticket in Cambridge costs $15; Boston is more. Car thieves are as prevalent as bicycle thieves, so keep your car locked and put tempting articles out of sight, preferably in the trunk. There are many garages in the theater and shopping districts, but they fill early and cost a lot, especially in the evening; go early or take the T.
Parking on certain Cambridge streets is banned from 7 AM-10 AM due to Environmental Protection Agency regulations. However, cars with resident parking stickers are allowed to park on streets within one half mile of their owner's residence. Stickers are available only for cars with Massachusetts plates and cost $3. They are available at Cambridge City Hall Annex (57 Inman Street).
If you live in an apartment, your landlord may provide off-street parking. If he promises to provide it, be sure it says so in your lease. You may be able to rent garage space nearby. (Rates run around $25 a month.) Otherwise, you'll have to park in the street if it is legal. (In Brookline it is illegal to park in the street overnight, so make sure you get a parking space.)
On-campus parking
MIT parking is very tight. Faculty and some staff members can get stickers for the lots and garages from their departmental headquarters. (Trading stickers is permitted; check the ads in Tech Talk.) Some people park in the street, frequently blocking fire-lanes, pedestrian access, and each other. To get a street space reasonably close to the main buildings you should plan to arrive around 7 AM. Parking is banned, however, on Memorial Drive from 7-10 AM. You might be able to find a space if you arrive close to 10 AM. Otherwise, start looking for a space about a half mile away. On weekends and after 4--5 PM on weekdays, the MIT lots are generally open to all. However, be wary of the parking garages at night. They are high-risk areas for theft and assault.
Dormitories have small parking lots available to residents; check at the desk. Stickers are usually issued at the beginning of each term. The Dean's office (7-133) has some stickers they will give out if you show good cause. The Campus Activities Complex (W20-500) handles stickers for special exceptions. The Campus Police (x3-1212) have information on good places to park around the Institute and can issue temporary or guest parking permits.
Parking in winter
During the winter, snow removal is slow and inefficient, especially on the weekends; side streets often don't get plowed. There are also emergency parking bans on many major streets during snowstorms. If you park in the street, be sure you are familiar with the regulations which apply to that location.
If your car is parked in Cambridge, make sure that you will know if any official "snow emergency'' is declared. At such times, all parked cars must be removed from Memorial Drive and other locations marked by a red-and-white "Snow Emergency'' sign. You can use the Westgate West parking lot overnight, but you must move your car in the morning. The 24-hour Cambridge parking ordinance is enforced during snow because it is easy to determine how long you have been parked.
Radio stations WEEI, WCAS, WBZ, WHDH, WRKO, and WCAP will broadcast announcements of snow emergencies. (See Radio in the Media section.) Also, you can call the appropriate municipal Departments of Traffic and Parking. In Cambridge the number is 498-9042.
Traffic reports
WBZ (1030 AM) has regular traffic reports from a helicopter, and WHDH (850 AM) uses a plane for its Skyway Patrol. WEZE (1260 AM), WRKO (680 AM), WEEI (590 AM), WMJX (98.5 FM), and others also report on traffic. All can be invaluable to someone with little knowledge of the area and a car radio.
Boston traffic is heavy even during non-rush hours. During rush hours (7-9 AM, 3:30-7 PM) and especially on Friday it becomes ridiculous. As you become familiar with the area, you should notice and use shortcuts and circuitous routes which will avoid the major jam-up areas. Example: Bay State Road is a good way to bypass Kenmore Square if you're going west from Beacon Street onto Commonwealth Ave.
Toll roads
There are some toll roads in and around Boston. Some examples are the Callahan/Sumner Tunnels (from/to the airport), the Tobin Bridge (to Revere), and the Mass. Turnpike (Interstate 90). One-way tolls were recently introduced on the tunnels and the Tobin Bridge. Tolls are $1 and 50 cents, respectively. Tolls for the Mass. Turnpike are assessed according to the number of miles you travel. Commuter passes are recommended.
Geography
Boston Geography
It is impossible to find your way around the Boston area without a map. It is only slightly less impossible to find your way around with a map, but any advantage helps. The streets in the older sections follow former cowpaths and shorelines and make very little sense to newcomers. Occasional grids exist, e.g., in Back Bay and South Boston, but even here confusion reigns - the numbering changes from street to street.
To really understand Boston's street layout, you need to realize that its roads run from "square'' to "square'.' Learn where each square is, and the streets just fall into place. Peculiarities to note:
1. Most streets are not clearly marked. Main streets are almost never marked; you can go out of your mind reading the name of each tiny side street without ever finding out which highway you are on.
One key to finding your way in Back Bay: side streets there go in alphabetical order, starting with "A'' (Arlington) at the Public Garden and ending at "K'' (Kilnarnoch) in the Fenway.
2. The Charles River is not a good direction index. It bends from north to south and back. The only certain thing about it is that if you follow it downstream or upstream far enough you'll get to MIT. Then you can ask someone for directions.
3. Main streets likewise weave back and forth. Massachusetts Avenue is a primary example, weaving its way from Lexington through Cambridge into Boston. If you don't believe this, try figuring out how Mass. Ave. and Memorial Drive both lead to Harvard.
4. House numbers on a street do not go by 100 per block but sequentially, with random inconsistencies. The average is about 30 numbers per block, meaning that 300 numbers is far away. Some streets have odd or even numbers on the same side, numbers increasing on one side and decreasing on another!
5. What appears to be one roadway can sometimes have more than one name. For example, the same pavement is Winter Street north of Washington Street but Summer south of it. Water turns to Milk in a similar maneuver. A favorite trick is for a street to change names as it crosses a town line. Cambridge Street in Allston turns into River St. as soon as it enters Cambridge. Mass. Ave. in Cambridge changes into White Way near Porter Square and then to Cambridge St.
Not only that, but the same name is used for different streets in different towns or even different sections of the same town. All of the streets mentioned above are repeated again and again in various locations. Boylston St. in Cambridge has no relation to Boylston St. in Boston, nor do any of the myriad Harvard and Washington Streets have anything in common. In another variation, the street names stay the same, but the numbering system starts all over again, normally in the opposite direction. For instance, 840 Mass. Ave. in Boston is nowhere near 840 Mass. Ave. in Cambridge.
6. Town names are no less confusing than street names. Present-day Boston includes the old townships of Allston, Brighton, Charlestown, Hyde Park, Roxbury, West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, South Boston, Dorchester, East Boston, and Roslindale. At the core of all this is Boston Proper, which includes all the neighborhoods of the North End, West End, South End, Downtown, Chinatown, Beacon Hill, and Back Bay. In addition there are unofficial terms, such as Readville, South Cove, Columbia Point, and Orient Heights, in common use. The various governments, the post office, the telephone company, and the local people all differ concerning which of these terms should be used. (But note that Brookline, although an inner suburb, is not a part of Boston.)
7. Adjacent areas often have similar names. For example, Newton Center, West Newton, Newton Lower Falls, Newton Upper Falls, and Auburndale (how did that get there?) are all parts of Newton.
8. When traveling to an unfamiliar place pick an easily-visible landmark near where you want to go or know the name of the nearest square (roads tend to run from square to square) and head for that. For example, in Cambridge, it is easier to find the general location of MIT by looking for the Green Building. It is also much easier to ask strangers for directions to landmarks than to out-of-the-way places.
Maps
Maps are an indispensible aid to travel in the Boston area. Good, free maps are difficult to come by. Cambridge and Boston Chambers of Commerce sporadically publish maps and may have a few available. The Information Office (7-121, x3-4795) and many dorm desks have maps you can consult.
For a few dollars, the Coop sells several good maps of Cambridge and Boston, including The Arrow Street Guide of Boston and Surrounding Communities, the Rand McNally Map of Boston and Neighboring Communities, and Car-free in Boston and all Massachusetts. This last is an excellent book with all sorts of transit, biking, and walking maps as well as tips on using mass transit, taxicabs, and bicycles. The Park St. T station usually has paper maps and schedules of all T and bus routes. The MBTA website has this information online.
Mopeds
Mopeds are obtainable at Moped City (491-5375) in Harvard Square. The only requirement is that you have an automobile driver's license and agree to drive the moped at no more than 25 miles per hour. Otherwise, treat it like a bicycle. Get a Kryptonite moped lock so you can keep your moped. A moped costs approximately $600-$900.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles must be registered with Campus Police. Out-of-state cycles must be registered with the local police also. Check with Campus Police (x3-1212) for details. State law requires that you have a certain minimum amount of insurance and proper headgear for both driver and passenger. There are several motorcycle organizations in the area. Check with other owners or dealers. Wear a helmet! (It's state law.)
Public Transportation
Bus fare on most lines is 60 cents. On some longer-distance lines, the fare is based on a zone system, with additional zones costing 35 cents each. Some lines (especially many leaving from the Harvard station) make you pay as you get off, not as you board. Exact change is required on all lines. Most of the major bus routes in Cambridge radiate from either Harvard or Central stations on the Red Line.
The line most often used by MIT people is the Harvard-Dudley bus (MBTA Bus #1), which stops at several rapid transit stations as it threads its way on Mass. Ave. through Cambridge and Boston. (Make sure you don't take the limited stops bus.) The buses are said to travel in packs: three at a time and then none for an hour. Allow extra time in case you have to wait. The bus starts at Harvard Square (Red Line), runs along Mass. Ave. through Central Square (Red), and passes the MIT Building 7 entrance. From MIT it travels into Boston via the Harvard Bridge, then continues along Mass. Ave. It stops at Auditorium (Green), Symphony (Green), and Northampton. Finally, there is a short leg south on Washington Street to Dudley, where the bus turns around for the return trip.
To find bus stops just look for signs or ask bus drivers. (They can sometimes be helpful.)
See the section on Wellesley, in the Colleges chapter, for information on the free MIT/Wellesley Exchange Bus, as well as the Wellesley Senate bus which runs on the weekend (but isn't free).
Commuter rail
Commuter intermediate-distance rail service to points north and west of Boston is available at North Station (227-5060, 1-800-392-6099). Lines to the south and west of Boston originate at South Station (482-4400, 1-800-882-1220). The MBTA rapid transit lines make stops at both of these stations.
The T
Boston has one of the oldest mass transit systems in the country. It is operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), usually known as the "T.'' Park Street station, in a tunnel which has been declared a National Historic Landmark, is the oldest subway station in the nation. The T uses rapid transit cars, streetcars, electric buses (trackless trolleys), conventional buses, and diesel-powered commuter rail cars.
The subway consists of four main lines, each of which is identified by a color. The Red Line has two branches at its southern end, and the Green Line branches into four variations (labeled B through E). The four Lines cross in the middle of Boston. See the T map on the next page. (Note that the map is symbolic and bears little resemblance to actual directions or distances.)
Tokens for the subway are $0.85 each, available at every station and most dorm desks. Most subway stops have a booth for making change and/or selling tokens, but don't count on them late at night. Kendall outbound is often unmanned after rush hour and sometimes locked up; you may have to go to the inbound side to get a token.
Where the Green Line is above ground (past Boston University), it is free outbound and requires exact change inbound. The D (Riverside) line has extra charges that depend on the distance traveled. There is an extra $.85 charge for Red Line service to Quincy Center, Quincy Adams and Braintree. Inbound service from Mattapan costs an extra 60 cents.
Monthly passes for unlimited MBTA rides are available to the MIT Community the last five business days of the month at the Cashier's Office (10-180). The passes vary in price and services offered: the Cashier's Office has up-to-date information available. They can also be bought at Charlesbank Trust and Freedom Federal Savings in Cambridge and other banks around Boston. T passes are also available the first ten business days of each month at the Harvard and Park St. stops.
Most lines do not run after 1 AM (10 PM on Sunday), and many stop earlier. Schedules late at night tend to be erratic; there may be cutbacks in runs, the driver may not feel like stopping; things are generally bad. Be careful when riding late at night, or you may be left stranded. MBTA service usually starts around 6 AM.
Complete system maps, showing all bus and subway routes, and bus schedules are available at many bookstores. Call the MBTA information line or check out their online site for the location nearest you. The MBTA information number is 722-3200 from 7 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday. On nights and weekends dial 722-5000.
Taxis
Taxis can be convenient since they avoid many of the usual problems associated with cars. However, they are expensive (at least $.95 initially, $.20 per 1/7 mile, plus $18 per hour) and are least available when you need them most. During rush hour they tend to be quite hard to find and will sometimes take a half hour to answer a call. Just before a holiday or bad weather they are almost impossible to find quickly; if you want a cab at such times you should call not less than an hour beforehand. The Ambassador Brattle Taxi Co. can be reached at 492-1100. During peak times, try a taxi company from an outside phone (phone numbers in Yellow Pages). They tend to respond more quickly to non-students. Taxis can often be found in front of 77 Mass. Ave., near the Kendall Square T stop, and (almost always) outside the Hyatt-Regency (right next door to Next House).
Cab drivers are generally talkative, opinionated, and nonviolent if you tip them 10-15%.
Trains
Trains provide a reasonably comfortable way to travel. They have enforced smoking regulations (smoking and non-smoking cars), plenty of leg room, space to walk, and snack service. Amtrak operates trains out of Boston to New York, Washington and points south, and to Albany, Detroit, Chicago, and points west. Connections are available to the entire US from Chicago and New York.
Prices are competitive with buses. Trains to the South tend to be as fast or faster than buses; to the West, the trains are slower than horses. Scheduled travel time to New York is about 5 hours, although they tend to run late, particularly during holidays.
Amtrak trains leave Boston from South Station (MBTA Red Line) and from Back Bay Station, 145 Dartmouth St., behind the John Hancock Tower in Copley Square (MBTA Green Line). During holiday seasons trains can be standing room only, and it is always easier to find a good seat at South Station (where the trains originate) than at Back Bay. For information call Amtrak (1-800-872-7245) or South Station (482-3660). Schedules change every 2 or 3 months.
Walking
Hitchhiking Although hitchhiking may be a popular way to get around, it is illegal in Boston, Cambridge, and other cities. Enforcement, however, seems to be left up to the whim of the particular policeman. Your hair length, number of holes in your clothes (and face), and the policeman's disposition must be taken into account. Usually, the police will ask violators to stop and will not bother to issue tickets. Laws and penalties vary from one jurisdiction to the next.
Unfortunately, police are not the only hazard to hitchhikers. There have been a number of students (drivers and hitchhikers) shot or robbed. It takes a lot of nerve for even a gorilla to hitchhike in some neighborhoods.
If you haven't hitchhiked before, Boston isn't the place to start. If you plan on hitchhiking anyway, remember that you are taking your life into your own hands. It's usually worth the money spent to avoid playing Russian Roulette.
Walking
Compared with many other cities, Boston is a city of microscopic distances, and walking is often the easiest form of transportation. During rush hour it may be faster than driving, especially from here to Harvard Square. Another advantage of walking is that you get a chance to meet people and see shops and activities you would otherwise miss.
If you need an escort across campus, use the SafeRide service operated by the Campus Police (x3-1212). It is composed of a set of vans that travel in set routes over the campus and to many of the ILGs across the river. There are four vans: Cambridge East and West and Boston East and West. The routes take about 20-25 minutes. Maps and schedules can be obtained from Campus Police or from the front desks in most dorms.
If you are walking at night, find a friend or two to go with you, especially if you are going off campus or into an unknown area. Otherwise, use your common sense. Boston and Cambridge have high crime rates. Use only well-lit, well-traveled streets; don't take shortcuts. Even if you plan to avoid the notorious Combat Zone, remember that just walking along Memorial Drive to look at the river by moonlight can be deadly. The Campus Police can give you information about danger zones around the MIT campus.