Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with publictransportation

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

SLC Mom — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:53:39 -0800

Please recommend a simple route on public transportation to go from JFK airport to White Plains Airport (Westchester County). Something cheaper than a taxi is desirable, but I don't want to change buses a dozen times either.

We are flying into JFK, but I don't want to rent a car at those prices. We'll be staying near White Plains, and their airport has much cheaper rentals.

Thanks!

(I asked a couple of weeks ago about cheaper rentals at JFK. Thanks to all those who offered suggestions then, too!)

Can I be this much of a New York Jew?

Jon_Evil — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:18:43 -0800

When one buys a 30-day unlimited MetroCard from the NYC Subway, are those thirty days counted from the date of purchase or the date of first use? Subway fare is about to go up (again!), and I'm wondering if I can save money by buying a bunch of cards now, and activating them as needed. From the perspective of the City government, use-based dating would lose them money, but I seem to remember this being the way it works.

Please help us get to longwood to visit friends!

Nanukthedog — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 06:42:57 -0800

Anyone have any tips on taking public transportation with an infant? Bonus for Boston-centric and the T-based green line? Do we strap in the car seat? Do we just hold it or set it down? Should we go for any special seats? Tips tips tips?

Public transportation options from Charlotte or Knoxville airports?

woodblock100 — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:10:57 -0800

What type of public transportation is available in rural Tennessee and North Carolina? Writing from Japan; my lady here has a dear friend who lives in Tennessee, near a small town called Butler (airports are Knoxville TN and Charlotte NC). This friend has recently been quite ill, and my lady would like to fly over from Japan and visit her (again). On past visits, the American friend has driven down to Charlotte airport to pick her up, but due to the illness, this is no longer an option.

The 'obvious' solution would be for my lady to rent a car, and drive to Butler herself, but she is unwilling to attempt this (unfamiliar highways, 'wrong-side' steering wheel, etc. etc.). Are there public transportation options for this kind of trip? Rent-a-car with driver? Any recommendations from locals would be much appreciated ...

Tthe cheapest way to get to Fordham U. from Providence, RI on a Friday using public transportation

JamesJD — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:40:33 -0800

What is the cheapest way to get to Fordham University from Providence, RI on a Friday using public transportation (must leave around noon, if not earlier)? What is the cheapest way to get back?

How do I get there from here? (Lexington/Burlington MA)

TravellingCari — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:52:25 -0800

I'll be travelling from NYC to Boston via bus or train (as yet undecided, probably bus) on Columbus Day weekend. That part is easy, it's getting from South Station or Greyhound in Newton to my destination that's challenging me. Where I ultimately need to go is NW of Boston in the Lexington or Burlington areas (can be picked up in either). I had thought I could go from South Station to Riverside via the T but according to MBTA's Trip Planner, that's 2h20min. I don't think so.

So then I figured Big Grey Dog to Newton (essentially Riverside) but it's another "can't get there from here" without going back into Boston on the green line and back out on the red, apparently. This can't be impossible to do. I'm not sure how commuters do it. Cars only?

Worse comes to worse, I can get access to a car here but really don't want to have to pick it up Friday night here in NY, pay to garage it overnight, spend gas, drive, then come back Monday, get the car back home and then come back to my apartment.

What I've also looked at: Zipcar (not economically feasible), Amtrak to Framingham and or Westwood (see also: can't get there from here), traditional rent-a-car (Hertz is at South Station and isn't bad for three days if I take Fungwah/Megabus up, costs are still down over self-drive with gas and hassle)

Am I spoiled from being too long in NYC? Can you really not get there from here? Bostonians, what are my options?

I've read the related, nothing appears to match. As always, thanks so much for all of your help!

rubbing shoulders on the bus isn't exactly networking

porpoise — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:43:18 -0800

Public transit personal space etiquette question. I take public transit just about everyday to and from an University campus. Sometimes the person(s) next to me will press arms/shoulders against mine. This happens more frequently when I'm wearing a tank top that leaves my arms and shoulders bare.

People from S. Asia or from the mainland, I understand, have different ideas about personal space than most North Americans.

I'm not talking about these persons.

Typically, they are female or gay men with a wide spectrum of physical attractiveness and apparent personal assuredness. Sometimes they'll even initiate incidental leg/foot contact.

When this happens I usually discretely give them their space, if possible, but they just shift and re-initiate contact again. They'll typically have adequate space on their other side and are not in contact with the person on their other side or there is nobody on their other side. Sometimes they'll even fiddle with something in their purse or a binder/newspaper/audio player/whatever that offers them more contact with me. When I try to smile and initiate eye contact, they never return the eye contact.

Mind you, I'm not complaining here. I've been told that I have nice shoulders - that they're starting to develop and are well defined - but the rest of me amounts to "short, skinny ugger" so this phenomenon is just baffling.

Anyone able to shed any insight on what's going on here?

Get me to the mouse on time, shuttle options LA - Anaheim

jessamyn — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:12:08 -0800

I am in Los Angeles (Silver Lake area) and need to get to Anaheim (Disneyland/Convention Ctr. area) for this library conference this afternoonish. Is the best way to do this to go back to the airport and grab a shuttle, or is there something simpler? I am on Griffith Park Blvd. in Silver Lake staying with a friend with a car. She can drive me someplace, like Union Station for example, but not all the way to Anaheim. I know there's an airport option and I know there's a convoluted public transpo option, I'm wondering what else there is. Needs to be not crazy-expensive [i.e. no cab] but doesn't have to be dirt cheap [i.e. three transfer bus trip not necessary but a one transfer bus ride would be fine even if it's long because I bet it would be interesting.

I have Googled but this seems like a situation where local knowledge trumps my agile typing fingers since I don't really know where I am or where I am going. Suggestions? Thank you.

Is there public transportation to Putnam County (New York) Supreme Court?

manderacg — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:30:10 -0800

What are my transportation options for traveling from Manhattan to Putnam County Supreme Court in Carmel, New York? I need to attend a court proceeding at Putnam Co. Supreme (20 County Center, near lake Gleneida) later this month and don't know the area. Borrowing a car is an option but that's really my last resort. I'm wondering

-- If it's possible to get near the courthouse via Putnam Area Rapid Transit bus from a Metro-North rail station (the PART website was confusing, but it doesn't look like the routes do what I need here)
-- Whether it's possible to hail or call a cab from Southeast train station
-- If cab is a good choice, fare estimates and phone numbers for recommended taxi services.
Thanks.

LAX to Pomona College

Vic Morrow's Personal Vietnam — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:00:06 -0800

What is the cheapest way to get to either Pomona College or Ontario Airport from LAX without having to resort to a cab, a rental car or a 40-mile hike? Judging from LAX's website, there appears to be a massive, disorganized array of public transportation options, and I am not sure which ones, if any, will get me to either of these locations. I have never been to Southern California, so if anyone is familiar with the public transportation provided around LAX, please chime in.

Barring any delays, I should be arriving at LAX at around 7:30 PM on Friday, March 14th. Getting anywhere quickly is not necessary, but keeping it within a couple of hours would be nice.

Lifetime Suburbanite wants to live the city life!

Alive N Kickin — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 03:16:24 -0800

Where do I start exploring the city? I'm looking for some advice on making the transition of moving from the suburbs (of Chicago) to the actual city itself. I have lived in the boring suburbs all my life, and for a long time I was thinking seriously about moving out of state (which I still want to do at some point): California, Oregon, Colorado, Washington. But since I've lived here all my life, I thought recently, why wouldn't I move to the city for a while, before I make that big jump to somewhere I'm completely unfamiliar with?
So I'm pretty sure that's what I want to do. I'm single, female, early thirties, and I have family and some friends (mostly acquaintances) that live in the city, so that could be a good (and bad) thing. However, I'm scared. I have a not-so-good sense of direction, and mainly I am concerned with getting lost in a shady area. Maps tend to overwhelm me. It's not that I can't read them, it's that I freak out when I'm under pressure to choose my next step. I've been to the city numerous times, but usually by car, and usually not paying attention to the street names. When I move there, I want to wean myself off of using my car, and just use public transportation. I have plenty of time to explore the city before I move there, but I'm not sure where to start, and I'm paranoid about getting on a train and getting lost.
Obviously I can just have some friends show me around, but I really want to go explore it myself, just to kind of try to get over my fear. I don't want to be dependent on people I already know who live there, because I really want to go there, start fresh, and do it on my own. I figured it will be nice to have friends and family there just in case, but since I am not super close to any of them, it won't be "too" easy to just call them up when I'm lonely or paranoid.
What I do know is that I reeeeeeeeeeeeally need to get out of these suburbs, and quick. They are sucking the life out of me and I feel like life is passing me by.
So: any suggestions, advice, words of wisdom?
Where do I start? I know my living situation will depend on my job and etc., but where should I start exploring, without getting overwhelmed? Most likely I will look for a roommate to start off with, and I am a little short on cash, but other than that?? Anyone done this before? I just want to get a good feel for the city before I go...or is that playing it too safe (and boring)?

I think I can, I think I can...

timory — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:25:52 -0800

Why are the trolleys in Philadelphia so unfathomably slow? I know that public transportation in Philadelphia is pretty abysmal overall, but it seems that the trolleys are particularly appalling. It's one thing that they never come on schedule, but why do they sometimes stop in the middle of the tunnel for no apparent reason, often for over ten minutes at a time? Why do they so frequently drive at less than 5 miles per hour (I'm assuming this figure, but it's certainly slower than my walking pace)? Why do they shut off so often mid-trip, and what are the drivers fixing when they step out of the trolley with that big metal stick? Why don't the drivers ever explain the reason for delays when these things happen?

I've actually tried to look up this information online, but all I've been able to find is general complaints.

If anybody feels like answering a bonus question, here's something else I've always wondered: why do people sit on the outside seat when the trolley is full, refusing to move over or let anybody into the inner seat?

Going Carless in Minneapolis?

chriswarren — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 08:28:00 -0800

I'd like to sell my car and get around using public transportation and a shared car service like HourCar or ZipCar in Minneapolis. Has anyone used either of these services? I live near Minneapolis, less than a block from a light rail station, and I work in Minneapolis. I take the light rail to work every day, and drive my car a few times a month. I'd love to save the money I'm putting in to my car every month.

Until recently my biggest concern was getting to a grocery store easily, especially in the winter, but I've started using the Lake Street/Midtown Cub Foods that is right off the light rail.

I have a bike, I don't mind walking, but I know that there will be times when I'll need to drive. Have you used HourCar or know someone who has? Was the experience good? Any issues?

Help me find a pedestrian friendly home!

english lit.ter bug — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 12:45:00 -0800

Is there a city with an awesome public transportation system that won't break the bank? I'm living in Michigan right now, but I really don't belong here. I'd like to move by next fall before I have to sign a new lease, but I'm not sure where I want to go. I'm a terrible car owner and a nervous driver, so where ever I decide to go, I do not want be dependent on cars for anything (work, picking up groceries, you name it). The problem is, I can't realistically afford to live in the public transportation meccas of the universe, like NYC.

I've seen posts on here that discuss other cities (Boston, Philly, DC, etc.), but I want to hear more suggestions, especially if they're less expensive options.

Other factors:
1.) I want to avoid the Great Lakes and other cold regions, so Chicago and the twin cities don't appeal to me that much.

2.) I'm a vegetarian-liberal-cultured-environmentally conscious urbanite, and I generally like to stick with my own kind.

3.)I'd like to find work in a library or publishing house.

I'm looking forward to your answers! Also, I apologize if I screwed up the format of this question. This is my first post.

No longer rockin' the suburbs.

landedjentry — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 07:55:40 -0800

How do you react to eccentric strangers on public transportation? I'm a young (22), friendly-looking female who just moved from a small town to DC. I've lived in the 'burbs my entire life, done the minimum-wage job thing, and never had a problem talking with most people. I take the bus frequently, and usually I'm alone.

Sometimes someone on the bus (usually middle-aged men who look like they've seen better days) will make a general comment to all those on board, i.e. "Happy New Year, everyone!" Occasionally, someone will try to include me in their conversation, whether or not they'd been conversing previously: "Hey, you'd notice if I got a black eye, right? What're you going to school for--doctor or a lawyer?"

Usually in these circumstances I do what everyone else does (assuming they somehow know more about this than me) and ignore them. In that last example, however, I was alone, the bus was almost empty, and I really couldn't just ignore him. So I was friendly and polite, but didn't encourage the conversation and felt (and probably sounded) kind of uncomfortable.

I don't like ignoring these people. But would ignoring them ultimately be the safer option? Taking the Metro isn't an option (thanks, Georgetown), I don't have a car (and wouldn't use one in DC anyway), and more often than not it's necessary for me to take the bus alone. Any non-DC-specific advice/anecdotes/recommendations welcome, thanks.

Life without a car in the US: Easy living or scraping by?

QueSeraSera — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 01:47:27 -0800

Besides NYC, what are the best American cities to live in--for a non-driver? Background: I've been spoiled by my experience in Tokyo where the subways/trains are frequent, timely, clean, and can get you in a short walk's range of pretty much anywhere. A car is unnecessary and impractical for day-to-day life in the city, and those that have them tend to be car lovers and/or wealthy.

The Sitch: I'm planning a move back to the US and wondered if I could possibly continue my car-free lifestyle in a place with excellent public transportation. I'm looking for a city where shops are in walking distance of home and people of all income levels use public transport to communte to work... and where it's not too uncommon to not have a car.

The Question: I'm aware of NYC, but are there any other American cities with comparable public transportation systems? Please share your personal experiences with me!

I hate driving. HATE it! I have poor vision and a poor sense of direction, and if I could have my way, would never ever drive again.

Can we get to a D.C. beach without a car?

chefscotticus — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 13:51:23 -0800

Is there a MetroRail/Bus/MARC accessible BEACH near Washington, D.C.? I'm in Washington, DC and my friends and I want to go to a beach tomorrow (Saturday), but none of us have cars. Are there any beaches in the area that are accessible by DC public transportation? Any other suggestions for how we can manage to get some sand and sun before we all have to go back to work on Monday?

Need help commuting via public transportation to get from downtown Silver Spring to near BWI Airport/Arundel Mills daily.

seinfeld — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 12:44:01 -0800

Need help commuting via public transportation to get from downtown Silver Spring to near BWI Airport/Arundel Mills daily. Ideally, I'd be able to take a bus or rail from Silver Spring to my office, but I don't seem to be so lucky (and understandably so.) I have a road bike and a pair of rollerblades, and I'd like to continue getting to the office by 7am so I can leave by 4pm. I successfully took the metrorail to Greenbelt, and then the B30 bus to BWI Airport, and then walked a mile or two to my office, but that was a bit long. I'd love to take my bike and do it, but I cannot take a road bike on a Metrobus (no bike rack on bus leaving DC area) or MARC train.

Is there any way to do it? Perhaps take a bus to somewhere and then ride my bike a few miles? I am not averse to riding or blading, but to do so everyday.. ? Thoughts..?

Homeward Bound III: The Incredible Journey (Of Cheapskates)

schroedinger — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 11:33:49 -0800

I saved a puppy from certain death. Now I need help getting home for the holidays. Is it possible and cost-effective to travel from Baltimore, MD to Kalamazoo, MI using only public transportation? Quick summary: I found a puppy, couldn't keep her, she ended up in Animal Control, I found someone to adopt her, but it took $310 to save the puppy from being put down so she could go her new home. This leaves me with approximately $200 to work with to get myself from Baltimore to Kalamazoo, leaving around the 23rd (minus a few days is OK) and coming back around January 6th (again, plus or minus a few days). Airplane tickets are prohibitively expensive, as are Greyhound and Amtrak.

A friend's success at traveling from Baltimore to New York City using Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey public transportation has inspired me. Perhaps I could create some kind of crazy multi-state bus, subway, and light rail itinerary that would get me where I need to go, or at least to Ann Arbor where I could catch a ride. But how? Where do I begin? Has anyone had experience doing this?

I know there are buses. I saw one in Speed.

brundlefly — Sat, 19 Nov 2005 14:13:30 -0800

How easy is it to get around in Los Angeles? Some friends of mine are trying to talk me into moving to L.A.. From what I've heard, if you don't have a car, you're SOL. Is this so? How's the public transportation system there?

Can I get to NJ from NYC later than the last train at 1:37 a.m.?

seinfeld — Sat, 08 Jan 2005 11:00:47 -0800

I live in Northern NJ and like to stay out late in NYC. My problem is the train's latest return trip to NJ is at 137am. How can I get home later? Is there a PATH station that has ample parking at night? I'm new to the area and would appreciate the help. Thanks!