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.

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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 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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.