Jun 6
Adventures of a Dog Owner and the MBTA
Happy Friday everyone. I wanted to share my experiences with how my dogs and
I have faired while using Boston’s “T” to get from A - B.
As you may or may not know I am one of the lucky laborers who reside in Boston because not only am I allowed to bring my dog(s) to work, but I’m encouraged to! In my opinion that should be the difficult part. Unfortunately the real issue is figuring out how to get them here!!
I take the 501 Express bus from Brighton to Downtown. It’s extremely convenient and fairly priced considering I get the monthly pass for $89 and it costs multiple times more than that to drive in. Here is a link to the section of the MBTA website that discusses their policy on pets on the T. It’s very short but clear and concise.
Heres what I do if I’m bringing a dog with me to work: 1) Get up early 2) Head to the bus stop before the masses - 7ish 3) Say to the bus driver “He/She is extremely friendly and very well behaved” following that routine I have about a 90% success rate of getting on the bus. The way home is a different story.
The first 501 heads home at 4:30 from downtown. So heres what I do to get home. 1) Try to get on the first bus to beat the masses - usually doesn’t work 2) Get denied by the next 2 or 3 buses because they are “full” 3) Complain to the MBTA attendant standing at the Federal and Franklin stop downtown that I HAVE to get home and they won’t let me on 4) Wait for the bus driver who isn’t afraid of dogs to let me ride. The success rate is much lower for me on the way home.
I usually make it home at some point, and keeping in mind that I’m talking about 65 - 75 pound dogs who can look rather intimidating at times I think I’m doing alright. Also keep in mind that when we get on the bus my dog is instructed to sit or lie down at my feet and stay there for the remainder of the trip.
Does anyone else commute on public transportation with their furry friends? what about getting to the vet if you didn’t have a car?
