MBTA Bus Blues

Bus Departure Time: 7:09
Bus Arrival Time: 7:29
T Departure Time: 7:31
T Arrival Time: 7:51
Weather as I call it: Some sun...warmer 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: No

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So, the bus was really late today...but at least the temperature was tolerable. I got on and I had to stand. At the next stop, 20-25 people got on...which is much larger than the average of 5 people per stop. It was a sight. You could see this crowd from a block away: a teeming mass of commuters vying for position to ensure their entry onto this particular bus.

We were packed for the remainder of the ride...I was standing next to the rear door, so I got off the bus at the stops where a lot of people exited...to get out of the way. When everyone was done exiting, I would hop back on the bus. At the last big stop before the T station, I got off the bus and about half the bus departed. As I was about to hop back on, the driver shut the door on me. I had a split second of panic before he opened the door again.

The T was packed but it ran smoothly...so I give the trip a 5 on the annoyance factor.

Slow Like a James Taylor Song

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Cold 27 degrees but sunny
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3.5
Feared for my life: No

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Monday morning and the bus started out ok. I got a seat...but then I noticed a few things. There was a constant beeping coming from the driver's console....and it kept beeping throughout the trip. On top of that, the bus couldn't get out of second gear. So, we slowly churned down the street...and every stop just packed in more peeps.

On the T, we stopped extra long at State Street due to "traffic up ahead". There was a musician singing James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend". After he was finished, the singer stated: "All things are possible when love is present."

The T doors closed and we were on our way.

At a Moment's Notice

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, colder, windy - another storm's a-coming.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No

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Have you ever wondered why Bostonians or New Englanders in general are so cranky and unfriendly? It's because of the weather. For example, this week we were given a few spring days in a row but later on today we should expect a messy winter storm. How can one be outwardly friendly and trusting when you can't even trust the weather? The outside world keeps us guessing.

The bus was packed with people...When you hear the TV weather guy/gal tell you the evening drive will be a wintery mess, you leave the car at home and take the bus.

Everyone on the T had on their heavy coats, hat, scarves, gloves...we're ready. If the weather changes, we are prepared and can face it at a moment's notice.

I'll Wait For The Next One

Bus Departure Time: 6:56
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy...get darker...Storm's a-coming
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No

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The bus came a little early today and it's been having a good little streak lately. In a week of no school, late risers, and pleasant weather...the bus gets the grade of A for the past four days.

A young lady sat next to me with a heavy scent of vanilla that made me a little queasy. I thought I liked vanilla...but I guess I like the smell of real vanilla...It seems when fragrances are synthesized from chemicals, they have varying results on my head and stomach. Besides, I have been fighting some kind of stomach virus thang lately. I haven't been that hungry since Tuesday...so I know something's wrong. It wasn't so bad that I felt like I had to vomit profusely over everyone on the bus...but just enough to turn my stomach just a bit.

When I got to the T station, the train had been sitting in the station for a while. As I climbed the last step, the tones rang out to signal that the doors were closing.

I didn't run for it. Generally, the T rule is you get on the first available train...no matter how packed it is....because you never know when the next one is coming.

I decided to wait for the next one. My patience was rewarded five minutes later...

Professional Development Day

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:08
T Departure Time: 7:10
T Arrival Time: 7:35
Weather as I call it: Hazy sunshine 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

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I think we have our first taste of spring today....or maybe its our third taste of spring...I don't know. I lost count.

No high school kids on the bus today. It was a professional development day for the teachers...so no school for the kids...which meant no kids on the bus.

Soon it will be April vacation and summer vacation. Warmer weather is on my mind.

Are You Sleepy?

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: I didn't look at my watch
Weather as I call it: Pleasant like yesterday
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No

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I definitely needs some coffee this morning. I could probably take a nap...but I don't think it's socially accepted yet to nap at work.

But when it becomes the norm, I will change my blog to Napping At Work.

Pick a Time and Stick With It

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:14
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Sunny, around 30 degrees
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No, but doesn't the Orange Line worry you?

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I was going to complain about daylight savings time throwing off my body clock, but I am managing ok. Some years, I would be dead tired the next day...Right now, I feel like it's a normal Monday. I do think "they" should just choose a time frame and use it all year round. If Standard time will only used for 4.5 months, is it really the standard anymore?

The bus was empty. I guess most peeps got a late start today.

Somebody spilled some liquid (let's just say it was coffee) on a T seat. Riders were good and were warning people at every stop...since the spill was covered by a Metro newspaper.

I Was Getting Worried

Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:17
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Still cold but less windy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2 (still damn cold)
Feared for my life: No

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After two mornings of standing out and waiting an extra 10 minutes than usual, the bus came on time today. Wow. I mean...really.....wow.

The T was fine today. There was a little boy who got on at Downtown Crossing and was crying until he and his mom got off at New England Medical Center... I felt bad for him. Hospitals aren't fun.

I will be visiting a client for the next two days so no posts until Monday.

Have fun.

Canada Can Keep Its Cold Air

Bus Departure Time: 7:07
Bus Arrival Time: 7:25
T Departure Time: 7:26
T Arrival Time: 7:49
Weather as I call it: 10 degrees and windy
Level of passenger rudeness(1-10): I wasn't paying attention
Feared for my life: No

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Man, it was cold today...and the bus was late again. Plus, the tandem bus approach was in effect again today.

Two bus coming down the line at the same time...at least I got on the emptier bus this morning.

I think I may change the "Level of passenger rudeness" bullet to "Level of commuting annoyance". I think the peeps who ride the T during my hours are seasoned veterans and know how to ride together.

An annoyance level? Well now, that varies from day to day to day to day.

Go Ahead - Take Your Time

Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:49
Weather as I call it: Cold and cloudy
Level of passenger rudeness(1-10): 2
Feared for my life: No

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The ol' MBTA was having a hard time getting back into the swing of the work week. My bus was late and it was just late enough to start interfering with the next bus' time frame. My bus is supposed to pick me up at 6:57. The next bus that come down the line stops at 7:05 (although according to mbta.com, it should be 7:02...so my bus was late..the next one was almost on time).

So, wha' happened? You have two buses driving down the street at the same time, which is weird, confusing, and redundant. I got on the first bus, because I thought that's what I should do although I knew the second one would have been less crowded. I stood up and I wish more people would follow the "stand as far back in the bus as you can" rule. When the bus is way crowded, the people getting on need as much room as they can get.

I got to the T stop and it was packed with people. The first train came at 7:22. I passed and waited for the next one (I was in the minority...most people got on that first one). Another one showed up at 7:25 and I was happy that the rest of the ride was comfortable...aside from the heavy smoker that sat beside me.

Well, I guess he was a heavy smoker...unless he is rolling around in tobacco at home?

Plastic Boots Rubber Suits

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:17
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Cold rain with some wind to make it even nastier.
Level of passenger rudeness(1-10): Hard to rate 1.5
Feared for my life: No

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I walked out of my house today without the aid of an umbrella. The only working umbrellas we had were these huge monstrosities that could keep a nice Irish family of 12 dry. All our compact umbrellas were thrown out in the Great Umbrella Purge of 2006 since they were broken. So, I put on my trusty hat...and prayed that the bus would be on time (not early or late) since I was leaving the house at the last possible second so I didn't have to stay out in the rain longer than I had to.

I got to the stop and had to wait for a minute...got a little wet but nothing to cry over. I got on the bus, many of the seats were wet. I guess someone had a window open overnight. Bleck.

Once I got on the T, things were normal until these group of people who seemingly knew each other stepped on the train and were having a very loud discussion about the phone conversation they had with each other last night. Suddenly, it wasn't 7:22 AM...it was 11:55 PM. I don't think it was rude for them to be talking as loud as they were...(maybe some of the vulgarities were) but it was out of character for that time of day. They certainly had everyone's attention on the train.

Later on the train, some woman pushed her way into the car exclaiming, "People just don't want to step into the train." There were people standing in front of the doorway, making it hard for her to get on. Beyond them, there was plenty of standing room in the interior of the train. I love lectures in T etiquette.

One stop later, she was able to take a seat. At the next stop, she offer her seat to an older gentleman who refused it. He commented, "Now I know I am old."

She practices what she preaches.

Take care.

March March

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny this morning...a little more wind today
Level of passenger rudeness(1-10): 1 Quiet for the most part
Feared for my life: No

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Do you know how many cement trucks Boston Sand and Gravel has?

Many more than you think. I saw them underneath the 93 double decks. There were thousands!

Chipper Announcer

Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:17
T Arrival Time: 7: 42
Weather as I call it: Sunny and a little foggy
Level of passenger rudeness(1-10): 1
Feared for my life: No

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The gentleman who was announcing the stations on the Orange Line this morning was really enthusiastic. For example: he was fired up to explain to the riders that Sullivan Square would be the next stop.

He did make a mistake and said you could make a connection to the Green Line at New England Medical Center...but corrected himself quickly with a laugh...

"I meant Silver Line..."

Awesome

Cruising With The Masters

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, no wind so it felt much warmer...
Level of passenger rudeness(1-10): 1 Things were quiet today
Feared for my life: No

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This is the way it should be everyday...at least in the promptness of all transports.

There was no medical emergency or other assorted craziness...unless you count the old guy who stared at me for two stops.

I was happy to run off the train once I got to Back Bay station.

Orange Line Medical Emergency

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:20
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:48
Weather as I call it: Light snow
Level of passenger rudeness(1-10): 1
Feared for my life: I felt queasy

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Light snow hits Boston! Time for an exciting commute!

My bus arrived on time so I didn't have to stand in the snow all that long. I was the only person at my stop, which is not normal. I guess too many people stay up for the Oscars last night.

The bus ride was a little slow, but that was to be expected. When I got to the T station, the train was pulling in. I ran up the stairs and boarded. I was unable to get a seat, but no matter. I stood for the duration and I was able to peep out the window to see all the rusting scrap metal underneath the lower deck of 93.

When we got to Downtown Crossing, we paused for a longer than usual time. You could sense something was wrong. As I looked towards the middle of the car, I could see a crowd forming a circle around someone or something on the train's floor. The intercom started to squawk: "Yes, we have that. Someone is on the way." I decided to move forward to see what was happening.

From what I could tell, a woman fainted. She was lying on her back and her feet were raised...she had them resting on the seats across from her. MBTA personel came running...over one of their radios, I heard someone saying something about telling the passengers to use the Green Line because we would be not moving anytime soon.

I felt bad for the woman, but I didn't stick around to see what the outcome would be. I looked down the tracks and I could see that the next Orange Line train was stopped at State.

I walked down the underground passageway to Park St. and picked out an outbound trolley to Copley. It's been a while since I have used the Green Line...just as quirky as always. I was able to see the old Arlington mosiac sign as we passed through it's namesake station. This is what it looks like:



Read more about the sign.

Tomorrow can't be as fun as today.

February Boston Snow

Bus Departure Time: N/A
Bus Arrival Time: N/A
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Light snow tapering off
Level of passenger rudeness(1-10): 2
Feared for my life: No

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I took my car and drove to on of the parking garages near the T stop. We have a babysitter tonight and we are going out with friends. Maybe see a movie? WOW! Ah, the joys of parenthood. I wanted to have the freedom to be able to jump off the T and then drive to the meeting place without depending on the bus to be on time. Hopefully, the T will cooperate.

This morning, I had to scrape the snow off my car, which wasn't too bad...but I am out of practice.

The T was a little busy for a Friday. At Downtown Crossing, there was some pushing and shoving to get on the train before the doors closed.

It did not lead to fisticuffs, so the day was given a low rudeness score.

Way Too Early

Bus Departure Time: 6:56
Bus Arrival Time: 7:07
T Departure Time: 7:07
T Arrival Time: 7:27
Weather as I call it: Overcast with thin clouds
Level of passenger rudeness(1-10): 1
Feared for my life: No

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So, that was quick. I got in early today mostly because there were no delays. People who recognized each other on the T said "Hello" to each other. There were smiles exchanged and a farewell comment of "Have a good day!"

What's going on? Where am I?

Back On Track

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:08
T Departure Time: 7:10
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Sunny and warm...30s
Level of passenger rudeness(1-10): 1
Feared for my life: No

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No complaints today. Everything was clicking and I felt like I got my money's worth.

Can't believe tomorrow is Thursday. You gotta love short weeks.

Shuttle Bus

Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:08
T Departure Time: Ha ha! 7:30 from Wellington
T Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Cloudy...but warmer, Thank goodness...
Level of passenger rudeness(1-10): 3
Feared for my life: No

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Let me sum it up:

The bus was right on time. Heck, I almost missed it...it was so on time. This week is going to be great for riding the bus since school kids have the week off for February vacation. Many kids do ride the MBTA bus to school...and since they are on vacation..the bus will be pretty empty.

When I got to the T station, there was a big mass of people. I heard over the intercom that there were delays. Then I heard there was a shuttle bus service to Wellington. So, I got on the shuttle bus...but not before people were shouting question to the T official trying to coordinate riders onto the shuttle bus.

When I got to Wellington, I paid for the T again. I should get refunded, right?

Meh. The T ride was fine....so that worked out for me. Tomorrow should be a better day...maybe I just jinxed myself.

Heading Update

Bus Departure Time: 7:07
Bus Arrival Time: 7:25
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Freaking cold but sunny...
Level of passenger rudeness(1-10): 1
Feared for my life: No

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So, I finally figured out a few things to keep track of. Check it out. I am particularly tickled that the "Feared for my life" line item made it over to this new phase of the blog.

I missed my regular bus today. It came on time, surprise surprise. I heard it as I was walking out of my house. With my driveway still pretty icy, I decided not to run for it and that standing out in the cold was safer than slipping and breaking my skull.

I was pleasantly surprised surprised to see the 7:12 bus coming 'round the bend 5 minutes early. Sweeeeeeeeet A.

Once I got on the bus, everything was smooth. I think many people took today off to extend the 3 day weekend...for those of us who are lucky to have a 3 day weekend.

I saw a guy on the T eating a turkey sandwich on old school Wonder Bread with lots of mayo. He was chomping away at it for most of the trip...definitely a 30 chew before swallowing kind of person. I could see his jaw moving in the corner of my eye. It was quite remarkable.

Level of rudeness was low today, due to light crowds. I actually saw someone offer their seat to an older woman. She declined though...but that act of kindness lowered the score.

Let's celebrate the Presidents this weekend. Type to you Tuesday.