Charlie Card - Boston

[ozbob]

Someone I spoke to recently had just returned from Boston and remarked how straightforward the ticketing was on the systems there and the use of the CharlieCard, and suggested the go card had a way to go ...

--> http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/charlie/

Commuter rail has WIFI connect too --> http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/wifi/

Noted this as well:

In addition, seniors can purchase a monthly pass (good for unlimited travel on local bus and subway) for $20.

http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/reduced_fare_programs/

[Emmie]

I used Charlie Card in Boston last year Bob.  It was pretty simple, with card dispensers at the stations I used (the airport and the centre of town - may not be available in minor stations).

Wifi was very useful on the suburban trains too - one carriage was marked Wifi enabled - it was a pretty weak signal, but adequate to check email on my iPhone.

BUT - I also found the subway in Boston very old fashioned - high carriages that you clamber into up a set of steep stairs and very noisy.  And the suburban network was very poorly serviced - very few trains outside peak hour, and the stations were run down, unmanned, and the jerry-built wooden platform at Salem (a separate town c.15 miles away, but commuter territory from Boston) was hilariously inadequate.

I don't think we've got a lot to learn from the American model of public transport, at least outside New York City.  Obama is promising to re-capitalise the train system, at least in the north east (where there was once a great system) but he's got his work cut out.

[ButFli]

I don't think we've got a lot to learn from the American model of public transport, at least outside New York City. 

Wait, what? Have you been anywhere in America apart from Boston and NYC?

The Washington DC Metro, Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel and San Francsico Muni are better than anything in Australia. The Chicago L is comparable to the New York Subway and the buses actually work.

We could even learn something about long distance passenger rail. As bad Amtrak's reputation is it still kicks the butts of Countrylink and Traveltrain.

[ozbob]

Thanks for your comments Emmie.  I was really just interested in the CharlieCard, seems to be a good product.  

Other aspects of public transport (transit)  need a lot of work for sure in some places.  Others seem fine.

[dwb]

The bit about upto 2 children up to 11yrs old riding for free is interesting in Chicago... I think TL only let kids up to 5 travel for free.

I'm traveling with children. How long will the gate stay open to let us through?
If you are traveling with children, please use the accessible fare gate—it's larger and will remain open longer. Up to two children 11 and under ride for free when accompanied by an adult.

[verbatim9]

https://youtu.be/xsqBtZNBL60

[verbatim9]

Above  is why they call it the Charlie card. Pretty catchy folk song actually