the MBTA sucks…and I think they know it
so…it would be sooooo unusual for me to complain, but I decided that I would go against the norm today — I’m sorry, did that come out clear? A little sarcasm might have gotten in the way.
Can I just say how much I dislike the MBTA? For those of you who don’t know what the MBTA is, I’m talking about the Metro-Boston Transportation Assholes…the commuter rail, buses, and subways of Boston.
Why am I upset? Well, let’s see: They’ve raised the fares, and I don’t feel like I’m getting my money’s worth anymore! I feel like I’m paying more for less!
I buy the Zone 6 communter pass, which used to cost me $145. Now, $181. The pass entitles me to unlimited access for the month to the commuter rail, buses and subways (as long as I don’t go past zone 6, which is at least 35 miles away from Boston in any direction. My normal commute looks something like this: rail, subway, subway, rail. Add to that an additional subway on MWF when I have class, and I would say that I have 40 rail trips (at $3.50) and 52 subway trips (at $1.25), bringing my monthly commute to $205 — a savings of $24!
So, why be upset?
1. In the month of January my train was late no less then 7 times, for anywhere from 10-25 minutes, with nothing more than a “we’re sorry” in return for my time.
2. At least twice a week I need to let a subway train pass by because it is too crowded to let people on. “There is a train directly behind this one” is a lie — you cannot say “directly behind” if the train in question is still three stops away!
3. The Patriots Parade! I wish I could say “enough said” but…there are over 750 seats on a train, plus 150-200 standing room, and my train yesterday filled up on the first. By the second stop it was too packed to collect money from anyone. It is my impression that everyone got a free ride, and at least 75% of those people we not passholders, probably at a ~$2360 loss. Multiply that by all the trains that this happened to…
4. The drunk guy, passed out, still in Patriots Parade gear (18 hours later), pissing on himself on the Red line this morning
I think my time is worth more than the $24 savings. I think the MBTA sucks…so there!
February 4th, 2004 at 2:56 pm
i hear you! i’m zone 6 also…$145 to $181 is a pretty steep hike if you ask me. i can’t complain too much though because i have a friend who gets mine for me. it went from $87 to $108. still huge!
and oh, the obnoxious, drunken, teenage idiots on the train! ugh…i wanted to shoot them. i’m sure i wasn’t like them when i was their age