Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Drizzling...40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
First time on the bus this week and the kids aren't on it because of school vacation. We had a new driver who was just as slow and as late as the last one was when she first started. It takes them a few weeks to get broken in, I guess.
A few random notes from the T:
Two strangers were having a conversation on the T. An older lady was asking this young gentleman about the music he was listening to. She told him she liked the song he had blasting through his earphones (Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine") She asked him how many songs he had on his "box". Then, she thanked him for sharing and wished him a good day. He wished her the same.
Just in case your ticker stops ticking, there is an emergency defibrillator in the Back Bay T station.
Also at Back Bay - Two people were handing out free energy drinks. It's called Shift and it's produced by Stonyfield Farms. It's a yogurt-based drink, but lighter. The Power Punch version has a strong cherry aroma and taste and according to the label, it also has açaí puree and organic ginseng in it.
Unfortunately, I don't feel energized. I think I will go get my coffee now.
4/17/2007
4/16/2007
Patriot's Day Nor'easter
Bus Departure Time: N/A
Bus Arrival Time: N/A
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Ha Ha. Light rain but high winds. 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: No, but I would have if I had waited for the bus.
------------------------------
I was checking my logs and I saw that someone stumbled onto my site looking to see if "the mbta buses run on patriots day". Oh yes, they do...but on a Saturday schedule...which tends to mean less buses than regular weekdays. Due to the winds and rain and the unknown length of time I would need to wait for bus, I got a ride to the T station. Thank you to my wife and son for accompanying me on my trip today.
I read in Starts and Stops there would be more subway trains running today for the marathon. Why they would have less buses but more trains running is a mystery, but I am sure the T has a good reason.
Outside of the windswept rain, I didn't have that much trouble getting to work. We'll see how if getting home will be tougher.
Bus Arrival Time: N/A
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:47
Weather as I call it: Ha Ha. Light rain but high winds. 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 5
Feared for my life: No, but I would have if I had waited for the bus.
------------------------------
I was checking my logs and I saw that someone stumbled onto my site looking to see if "the mbta buses run on patriots day". Oh yes, they do...but on a Saturday schedule...which tends to mean less buses than regular weekdays. Due to the winds and rain and the unknown length of time I would need to wait for bus, I got a ride to the T station. Thank you to my wife and son for accompanying me on my trip today.
I read in Starts and Stops there would be more subway trains running today for the marathon. Why they would have less buses but more trains running is a mystery, but I am sure the T has a good reason.
Outside of the windswept rain, I didn't have that much trouble getting to work. We'll see how if getting home will be tougher.
4/13/2007
Stuck Arms Fire Alarms
Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Overcast but not raining. 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: I wondered about my safety.
------------------------------
Gym Bag Guy was at the bus stop when I got there this morning. He has been taking the later bus lately. We talked about his experiences with the later (7:05) bus. He doesn't mind waiting a few more minutes for a bus that is less crowded than the earlier (6:57) bus. So when bus came (2 minutes late), he stood there defiantly. The bus driver questioned me if he was going to wait for the next bus. I told her that he was and she closed the doors.
She's getting bolder with every drive. Today she blew by a few bus stops that had large groups of people waiting. I think she's getting the hint and allowing the second bus to pick up the slack since it's right behind her.
It was a replay of yesterday once we got to the T station: The train was pulling in just as we stopped. What a tease.
Some gentleman decided to hold the doors open in the train's last car at Downtown Crossing, delaying our trip. He was holding the doors open for so long that the conductor was calling for security. I guess he stopped because we got moving soon after that.
At Back Bay, there were fire alarms blinking and screaming everywhere. Firemen were walking around and the T gates were wide open. I wasn't sure what was happening; I didn't smell smoke or see any flames. It still made me feel uneasy. This station doesn't need any more emergencies.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Overcast but not raining. 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: I wondered about my safety.
------------------------------
Gym Bag Guy was at the bus stop when I got there this morning. He has been taking the later bus lately. We talked about his experiences with the later (7:05) bus. He doesn't mind waiting a few more minutes for a bus that is less crowded than the earlier (6:57) bus. So when bus came (2 minutes late), he stood there defiantly. The bus driver questioned me if he was going to wait for the next bus. I told her that he was and she closed the doors.
She's getting bolder with every drive. Today she blew by a few bus stops that had large groups of people waiting. I think she's getting the hint and allowing the second bus to pick up the slack since it's right behind her.
It was a replay of yesterday once we got to the T station: The train was pulling in just as we stopped. What a tease.
Some gentleman decided to hold the doors open in the train's last car at Downtown Crossing, delaying our trip. He was holding the doors open for so long that the conductor was calling for security. I guess he stopped because we got moving soon after that.
At Back Bay, there were fire alarms blinking and screaming everywhere. Firemen were walking around and the T gates were wide open. I wasn't sure what was happening; I didn't smell smoke or see any flames. It still made me feel uneasy. This station doesn't need any more emergencies.
4/12/2007
Stepping It Up a Bit
Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, but it's better than the storm the weather peeps were predicting
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
The bus driver has been getting a little more aggressive. She is still a little late, but once she picks me up...she is starting to make other stops as short as possible. She pulls away from the curb as soon as the last person is on. I like it.
I also can't wait for next week. No school...which means less riders.
When we got to the T station, the Orange line had just pulled in. The next one wasn't far behind...and glided down tracks all the way into Boston without any "standing bys" or "hesitations".
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, but it's better than the storm the weather peeps were predicting
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
The bus driver has been getting a little more aggressive. She is still a little late, but once she picks me up...she is starting to make other stops as short as possible. She pulls away from the curb as soon as the last person is on. I like it.
I also can't wait for next week. No school...which means less riders.
When we got to the T station, the Orange line had just pulled in. The next one wasn't far behind...and glided down tracks all the way into Boston without any "standing bys" or "hesitations".
4/11/2007
No Singing No Dancing
Bus Departure Time: 7:01
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it:
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Sometime the commute is just a commute...getting from point A to point B.
This morning, there was nobody singing to the whole subway car. There were no drunk Sox fans talking loudly about how pissah Dice-K is.
There's always tomorrow.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it:
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Sometime the commute is just a commute...getting from point A to point B.
This morning, there was nobody singing to the whole subway car. There were no drunk Sox fans talking loudly about how pissah Dice-K is.
There's always tomorrow.
4/10/2007
Fenway Opening Day 2007
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Sunny, less windy, 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
Today is, in my opinion, Holiday #2 of the holy trinity of Boston spring holidays: Opening day at Fenway Park. (#1 being St. Patty's Day and #3 being Patriots Day) There is always a few co-workers who don't seem to make it to work on Opening day...not sure why.
This morning I had no problems with the bus...well, the problems I had were so small that they are not worth typing about. It came on time and there were no big delays getting to the T.
The T must have been late...or there was an interruption in service since there was a large crowd at the Malden T station...and there larger crowds at every stop heading inbound on the line.
No matter, plenty of entertainment: Some guy stepped on at Wellington and loudly wished a "Good Morning" to ev'rybody!
He then sang a few lines from the Rascals' "A Beautiful Morning" and "You Are My Sunshine" which apparently is Louisana's State Song. Nobody looked like they were appreciative of his vocal stylings. They were busy reading their books or their Metros, but it made me chuckle.
There was a musician playing songs in the State St. T station, and our serenader got off to sit on the bench next to him. As the T doors closed, the musician was finishing performing the song "Wade in the Water" and it was met with thunderous applause from our T singing friend.
Unofficial holidays are fun. Go Sox!
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Sunny, less windy, 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
Today is, in my opinion, Holiday #2 of the holy trinity of Boston spring holidays: Opening day at Fenway Park. (#1 being St. Patty's Day and #3 being Patriots Day) There is always a few co-workers who don't seem to make it to work on Opening day...not sure why.
This morning I had no problems with the bus...well, the problems I had were so small that they are not worth typing about. It came on time and there were no big delays getting to the T.
The T must have been late...or there was an interruption in service since there was a large crowd at the Malden T station...and there larger crowds at every stop heading inbound on the line.
No matter, plenty of entertainment: Some guy stepped on at Wellington and loudly wished a "Good Morning" to ev'rybody!
He then sang a few lines from the Rascals' "A Beautiful Morning" and "You Are My Sunshine" which apparently is Louisana's State Song. Nobody looked like they were appreciative of his vocal stylings. They were busy reading their books or their Metros, but it made me chuckle.
There was a musician playing songs in the State St. T station, and our serenader got off to sit on the bench next to him. As the T doors closed, the musician was finishing performing the song "Wade in the Water" and it was met with thunderous applause from our T singing friend.
Unofficial holidays are fun. Go Sox!
4/09/2007
Commentary From the Back Seats
Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, Cold, Windy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not this day
------------------------------
The only thing that was annoying today was the weather. The calendar says Spring, but the wind and temperature says late November. I know thousands of other people in this area have commented about this topic, but I think it's about time we had some warmer weather.
Hey Mother Nature, just passing that idea by ya. Let it sit with you a while. Get back to me when you have had some time to process it. Maybe we can come to an agreement.
On the bus, there were two women who were provided color commentary for the bus ride. When they saw people scrambling to get to the bus stop, one of the said, "Ooooop, we got a runner!" When a kid tried to get away with paying 30 cents instead of 60, the other one said "He does this every time!"
It was like watching a DVD with the audio commentary turned on.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Sunny, Cold, Windy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not this day
------------------------------
The only thing that was annoying today was the weather. The calendar says Spring, but the wind and temperature says late November. I know thousands of other people in this area have commented about this topic, but I think it's about time we had some warmer weather.
Hey Mother Nature, just passing that idea by ya. Let it sit with you a while. Get back to me when you have had some time to process it. Maybe we can come to an agreement.
On the bus, there were two women who were provided color commentary for the bus ride. When they saw people scrambling to get to the bus stop, one of the said, "Ooooop, we got a runner!" When a kid tried to get away with paying 30 cents instead of 60, the other one said "He does this every time!"
It was like watching a DVD with the audio commentary turned on.
4/06/2007
Better Friday
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold. 20s and 15 MPH winds...wha happened?
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
No school today...so the bus was pretty empty. Gym Bag Guy was asking me if today was going to be an easy commute. I told him, "I think so...we'll see."
Guy got on the bus, and had a problem with his Charlie Ticket...he didn't have enough money...and he held up the bus a bit. I felt bad for him. He became what irked him most about riding the bus.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny but cold. 20s and 15 MPH winds...wha happened?
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
No school today...so the bus was pretty empty. Gym Bag Guy was asking me if today was going to be an easy commute. I told him, "I think so...we'll see."
Guy got on the bus, and had a problem with his Charlie Ticket...he didn't have enough money...and he held up the bus a bit. I felt bad for him. He became what irked him most about riding the bus.
4/05/2007
Theory Proven
Bus Departure Time: 7:05 (no, it wasn't late...I'll explain)
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Craptacular
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Gym Bag Guy and I collectively decided that we were going to wait for the second of the two buses that come by around the 7 o'clock hour. Guy observed the same thing I did: The second bus, even though it comes later, gets to the T station earlier than the first bus. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my theory revolves around a tear in the space/time continuum but I wasn't going to share that with Gym Bag Guy.
Anyway, we didn't get on the first bus and got on the second bus and it worked exactly the way we anticipated. We got to the station faster and got on an earlier T.
Like a wise man once said, "I love it when a plan comes together."
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Craptacular
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Gym Bag Guy and I collectively decided that we were going to wait for the second of the two buses that come by around the 7 o'clock hour. Guy observed the same thing I did: The second bus, even though it comes later, gets to the T station earlier than the first bus. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my theory revolves around a tear in the space/time continuum but I wasn't going to share that with Gym Bag Guy.
Anyway, we didn't get on the first bus and got on the second bus and it worked exactly the way we anticipated. We got to the station faster and got on an earlier T.
Like a wise man once said, "I love it when a plan comes together."
4/04/2007
MBTA Bus Fun
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and colder. 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope. Cameras were on this bus.
------------------------------
The bus came on time for the first time this week. On top of that, to quote the bus driver: "That's the first time all the kids used the right amount of change." So, smooth sailing for the most part.
There was one issue with the bus ride today. The driver ran a red light (well, it wasn't red when her part of the bus went through the intersection). Unfortunately about a half block ahead of us, there was a school bus stopped with its flashing lights on. The line of traffic backed up so far it caused our bus to be stuck in the middle of the intersection. We were beeped at relentlessly...since we were blocking people from going when their light turned green. Other passengers were shouting at the cars beeping with exclamations of "Ah, be quiet!" and "It's not going to make us move."
I knew we had run the red light, but I kept quiet. I didn't want to incite any violence.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:18
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and colder. 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope. Cameras were on this bus.
------------------------------
The bus came on time for the first time this week. On top of that, to quote the bus driver: "That's the first time all the kids used the right amount of change." So, smooth sailing for the most part.
There was one issue with the bus ride today. The driver ran a red light (well, it wasn't red when her part of the bus went through the intersection). Unfortunately about a half block ahead of us, there was a school bus stopped with its flashing lights on. The line of traffic backed up so far it caused our bus to be stuck in the middle of the intersection. We were beeped at relentlessly...since we were blocking people from going when their light turned green. Other passengers were shouting at the cars beeping with exclamations of "Ah, be quiet!" and "It's not going to make us move."
I knew we had run the red light, but I kept quiet. I didn't want to incite any violence.
4/03/2007
Bus Fare Fairness
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, misty, but not windy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
I think I am now on the bus driver's side when it comes to taking time to collect the correct fares. I think there are few kids who have been scamming the system for a while. Now they are facing a driver that makes sure they pay what they should.
So I am now more annoyed at the kids for holding us up on the bus than the driver. She's just trying to do what's right.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, misty, but not windy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Not today
------------------------------
I think I am now on the bus driver's side when it comes to taking time to collect the correct fares. I think there are few kids who have been scamming the system for a while. Now they are facing a driver that makes sure they pay what they should.
So I am now more annoyed at the kids for holding us up on the bus than the driver. She's just trying to do what's right.
4/02/2007
Not Like We're in a Hurry
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:19
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Cloudy with some mist - 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I think I might have a new friend on the bus. He's this guy who I have seen over the last two months both going to work and coming home. I don't know his name but he likes to complain about stuff and I listen.
He was at my stop today, which is not the everyday, normal thang...I don't think he has a set schedule like, uh, kooky ol' me.
Our conversation consisted of:
Then the bus came, and we stopped talking. I don't know this guy's name yet, but let's call him "Gym Bag Guy" for now (he always has a Adidas duffel bag slung over his shoulder). He seems nice enough...and he breaks the stereotype of New Englanders not talking to each other...but maybe he's crazy and he will kill me. Keep reading the blog to find out.
The only real annoying part of the commute was the bus driver's on-going (since last week) interrogation of student and senior riders. She was asking for everyone's ID.
Yes, that's what she is supposed to do...but when you are running late you would think you would try to make up time and conduct an eyeball check of the old lady's age.
When I got to my building, a woman held the elevator for me. After I said, "Thank you," she replied with "Not like we are in a hurry...."
Sound like someone has a case of the Mondays.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:19
T Departure Time: 7:21
T Arrival Time: 7:43
Weather as I call it: Cloudy with some mist - 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I think I might have a new friend on the bus. He's this guy who I have seen over the last two months both going to work and coming home. I don't know his name but he likes to complain about stuff and I listen.
He was at my stop today, which is not the everyday, normal thang...I don't think he has a set schedule like, uh, kooky ol' me.
Our conversation consisted of:
- The stinky weather
- Baseball
- Is there an earlier bus?
- April vacation coming soon which means no high school kids on the bus for a week
Then the bus came, and we stopped talking. I don't know this guy's name yet, but let's call him "Gym Bag Guy" for now (he always has a Adidas duffel bag slung over his shoulder). He seems nice enough...and he breaks the stereotype of New Englanders not talking to each other...but maybe he's crazy and he will kill me. Keep reading the blog to find out.
The only real annoying part of the commute was the bus driver's on-going (since last week) interrogation of student and senior riders. She was asking for everyone's ID.
Yes, that's what she is supposed to do...but when you are running late you would think you would try to make up time and conduct an eyeball check of the old lady's age.
When I got to my building, a woman held the elevator for me. After I said, "Thank you," she replied with "Not like we are in a hurry...."
Sound like someone has a case of the Mondays.
3/30/2007
Sliding Doors
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:23
T Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny. Around 40 degrees.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): Meh.
Feared for my life: Not really
------------------------------
I had issues this morning. Both the bus and T were packed. Why did this happen? Were people getting going to work earlier today to be able to leave earlier? It doesn't make sense.
Since the Orange line was so packed, I got off at Downtown Crossing and walked up the underground tunnel to Park St. My thought was to take a Green Line train to Copley, which at this time in the morning is pretty empty.
When I got up the stairs, I saw a B Line train in the station and I stepped it up to try and get on before it left.
No dice. I was met with closing doors. It was timed perfectly...like I was the sad sack character in a film about commuting (A summer blockbuster, fo-ah sho-wah!)
I walked away in disgrace and waited for the next train. I should drive to work.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:18
T Departure Time: 7:23
T Arrival Time: 7:52
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny. Around 40 degrees.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): Meh.
Feared for my life: Not really
------------------------------
I had issues this morning. Both the bus and T were packed. Why did this happen? Were people getting going to work earlier today to be able to leave earlier? It doesn't make sense.
Since the Orange line was so packed, I got off at Downtown Crossing and walked up the underground tunnel to Park St. My thought was to take a Green Line train to Copley, which at this time in the morning is pretty empty.
When I got up the stairs, I saw a B Line train in the station and I stepped it up to try and get on before it left.
No dice. I was met with closing doors. It was timed perfectly...like I was the sad sack character in a film about commuting (A summer blockbuster, fo-ah sho-wah!)
I walked away in disgrace and waited for the next train. I should drive to work.
3/29/2007
Exact Change
Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:19
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Same as yesterday. Gusty winds take away from the spring-ness
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): I'll give it a 2 today
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Did you know we spent four (4) minutes at a bus stop while at least 8 people fumbled with their money for the fare?
Exact change is a virtue.
Did you know that because of this delay the 7:05 bus passed us?
I may have come to the conclusion that I can leave my house later to get to work earlier. How is that possible? Where is the tear in the space/time continuum that makes this possible?
Did you know that I talked myself out of being annoyed by it all?
That's why there is a low score on the annoyance factor above.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:19
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Same as yesterday. Gusty winds take away from the spring-ness
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): I'll give it a 2 today
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Did you know we spent four (4) minutes at a bus stop while at least 8 people fumbled with their money for the fare?
Exact change is a virtue.
Did you know that because of this delay the 7:05 bus passed us?
I may have come to the conclusion that I can leave my house later to get to work earlier. How is that possible? Where is the tear in the space/time continuum that makes this possible?
Did you know that I talked myself out of being annoyed by it all?
That's why there is a low score on the annoyance factor above.
3/28/2007
Dueling MBTA Buses
Bus Departure Time: 7:04
Bus Arrival Time: 7:21
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:50
Weather as I call it: Sunny, in the 50s but windy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I hate when my bus is just late enough to be on time for the next bus. Then this weird dance takes place when each bus takes turns picking up people at every other stop. It's like a duel between two very large swordspeople.
The T came into the station, stopped, and then didn't open up its doors. The crowds were getting pushy. Then, the train started to move backwards...and then stopped three feet from where it originally opened.
Precision - That's the MBTA way.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:21
T Departure Time: 7:25
T Arrival Time: 7:50
Weather as I call it: Sunny, in the 50s but windy
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
I hate when my bus is just late enough to be on time for the next bus. Then this weird dance takes place when each bus takes turns picking up people at every other stop. It's like a duel between two very large swordspeople.
The T came into the station, stopped, and then didn't open up its doors. The crowds were getting pushy. Then, the train started to move backwards...and then stopped three feet from where it originally opened.
Precision - That's the MBTA way.
3/27/2007
Muffled Sound
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and in the 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
We had a new bus driver (well, new to me) that decided she was going to lecture the school kids who didn't have Charlie Cards...or Student Passes...or anything else that is a better, easier, and/or faster payment method as compared to coins.
Although I agree with her that these cards are faster from a standpoint of collecting the fare (it stinks to be behind someone paying with coins when it's raining or snowing out and it delays your shelter from the storm) and cheaper for each ride (60 cents compared to 75 cents), these cards still need to be 'recharged' on a monthly basis...and if it is out of the way to go to the T station and get them recharged with money then maybe it's worth paying an extra 15 cents a ride. I don't know...in any case, we spent 4 minutes at a stop while the bus driver had conversations with everyone paying with coins. When it started to delay my ride, that's when I got annoyed.
The T ride was better...the announcer's voice was hard to make out due to faulty equipment...made her sound like Charlie Brown's teacher.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:17
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and in the 40s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 4
Feared for my life: No
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We had a new bus driver (well, new to me) that decided she was going to lecture the school kids who didn't have Charlie Cards...or Student Passes...or anything else that is a better, easier, and/or faster payment method as compared to coins.
Although I agree with her that these cards are faster from a standpoint of collecting the fare (it stinks to be behind someone paying with coins when it's raining or snowing out and it delays your shelter from the storm) and cheaper for each ride (60 cents compared to 75 cents), these cards still need to be 'recharged' on a monthly basis...and if it is out of the way to go to the T station and get them recharged with money then maybe it's worth paying an extra 15 cents a ride. I don't know...in any case, we spent 4 minutes at a stop while the bus driver had conversations with everyone paying with coins. When it started to delay my ride, that's when I got annoyed.
The T ride was better...the announcer's voice was hard to make out due to faulty equipment...made her sound like Charlie Brown's teacher.
3/26/2007
Watch Your Step
Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No
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Sorta busy for a Monday. Generally, the commute is light due to late risers...but today the bus was filled with people. While I was on the bus, a high schooler stepped on my foot. He said he was sorry. I nodded to let him know there was no issue.
There were a lot of delays on the T...much more that usual. Anytime the T stops between stations, there's a bigger problem than just the normal delays.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Partly cloudy, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No
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Sorta busy for a Monday. Generally, the commute is light due to late risers...but today the bus was filled with people. While I was on the bus, a high schooler stepped on my foot. He said he was sorry. I nodded to let him know there was no issue.
There were a lot of delays on the T...much more that usual. Anytime the T stops between stations, there's a bigger problem than just the normal delays.
3/23/2007
TGIFF
Bus Departure Time: N/A
Bus Arrival Time: N/A
T Departure Time: N/A
T Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Dude, it's warm
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No
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My wife had a doctor's appointment, so I was late to work today.
Not much to mention for this morning commute...it was quick and painless.
See you next week.
Bus Arrival Time: N/A
T Departure Time: N/A
T Arrival Time: N/A
Weather as I call it: Dude, it's warm
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No
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My wife had a doctor's appointment, so I was late to work today.
Not much to mention for this morning commute...it was quick and painless.
See you next week.
3/22/2007
Try To Have a Great Day
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, windy, but temps in the high 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
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At Haymarket, the T paused for an extra long time for whatever reason. The announcer spoke over the intercom and apologized for the delay. She finished her announcement with thi quip: "Try to have a great day."
Ok. I'll try.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:19
T Arrival Time: 7:45
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, windy, but temps in the high 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
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At Haymarket, the T paused for an extra long time for whatever reason. The announcer spoke over the intercom and apologized for the delay. She finished her announcement with thi quip: "Try to have a great day."
Ok. I'll try.
3/21/2007
Springy Spring
Bus Departure Time: 6:56
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cold...definitely subfreezing. The sun is bright tho.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
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Winter is officially over and the MBTA is back on time today. The first half of the "hard season" was no problem...pretty mild actually. Then, January came and I think we have been in the deep freeze since then. I think I am ready for better weather.
The only annoying thing today was the cold. Getting a free iced coffee at the Dunk didn't warm me up much.
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:40
Weather as I call it: Cold...definitely subfreezing. The sun is bright tho.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
------------------------------
Winter is officially over and the MBTA is back on time today. The first half of the "hard season" was no problem...pretty mild actually. Then, January came and I think we have been in the deep freeze since then. I think I am ready for better weather.
The only annoying thing today was the cold. Getting a free iced coffee at the Dunk didn't warm me up much.
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