Category: Transportation

What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day – Monday, April 20, 2015 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 20, 2015. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

We will update this post as more of the 2015 information become available. Follow us on Twitter where we'll announce updates.

Update 04.16.15: From the City a page on Marathon Monday with maps etc. (warning auto start video)

Update 04.13.15: From the Massachusetts State Police, here are:

Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants

In case this site is busy or the link doesn't work, you can: Download Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants | MSPnews.org

Patriot John Glover was known as a dapper dresser!

Patriots' Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

Open:
Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores

Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open.

Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.

Closed:
Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking

One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day. Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It says:

"Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many more streets than in the past will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.

Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be certain it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

PARKING ADVISORY AND STREET CLOSING SCHEDULE

Update 04/09/15: Traffic Advisory for Marathon Weekend is at this link.

In case that page disappears you can: Download City of Boston Traffic Advisory Boston Marathon (2015).

Parking and No-Tow alerts

Here's last years post with tips for local parking on this holiday– We'll update this as soon as information is available from the city.

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2014)

Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)

"Patriots Day Week 2015

Monday, April 20 – Saturday, April 25, 2015

No Delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

2015 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:

You can see full details on their events page through April 20th. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots Day

Tips:
- Buy your fares in advance with a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket to avoid waiting in line on Monday.
- The MBTA advises, "For the safety of our customers, Copley Station will be closed for the entire day on April 20, 2015."
- Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes "on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day."
- Check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information.
Marathon Monday 2015 MBTA Quick Look

Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver Line service will run a "regular weekday schedule." (See the MBTA page for special service notes on the Silver and Green Lines.)

The Green line will have, "… rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."

Commuter rail trains "… will operate a "regular weekday schedule."

"Buses, trackless trolleys, and express bus routes will operate a weekday schedule … Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other race of Patriots' Day events. The approximate time for most street closures is 8:00 a.m. through 6:30 p.m." (See the MBTA page for special service notes.)

Commuter Boats "… will operate a regular weekday schedule."

"THE RIDE will operate a regular weekday schedule."

Complete details on all changes are at: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2015

MBTA PARKING

"Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on [Patriots' Day], April 20, [2015], in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly."

Official 2015 Boston Marathon information:

www.bostonmarathon.org

Related Posts:

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

Views from Hereford Street 2009

Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or as a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon on great items like Sandisk memory cards.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

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Boston's Number One Taxi

Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats
April 3, 2015
What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day – Monday, April 20, 2015 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 20, 2015. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.

UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

We will update this post as more of the 2015 information become available. Follow us on Twitter where we'll announce updates.

Update 04.16.15: From the City a page on Marathon Monday with maps etc. (warning auto start video)

Update 04.13.15: From the Massachusetts State Police, here are:

Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants

In case this site is busy or the link doesn't work, you can: Download Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants | MSPnews.org

Patriot John Glover was known as a dapper dresser!

Patriots' Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

Open:
Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores

Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open.

Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.

Closed:
Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking

One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day. Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It says:

"Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many more streets than in the past will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.

Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be certain it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

PARKING ADVISORY AND STREET CLOSING SCHEDULE

Update 04/09/15: Traffic Advisory for Marathon Weekend is at this link.

In case that page disappears you can: Download City of Boston Traffic Advisory Boston Marathon (2015).

Parking and No-Tow alerts

Here's last years post with tips for local parking on this holiday– We'll update this as soon as information is available from the city.

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2014)

Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)

"Patriots Day Week 2015

Monday, April 20 – Saturday, April 25, 2015

No Delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

2015 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule:

You can see full details on their events page through April 20th. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots Day

Tips:
- Buy your fares in advance with a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket to avoid waiting in line on Monday.
- The MBTA advises, "For the safety of our customers, Copley Station will be closed for the entire day on April 20, 2015."
- Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes "on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day."
- Check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information.
Marathon Monday 2015 MBTA Quick Look

Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver Line service will run a "regular weekday schedule." (See the MBTA page for special service notes on the Silver and Green Lines.)

The Green line will have, "… rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."

Commuter rail trains "… will operate a "regular weekday schedule."

"Buses, trackless trolleys, and express bus routes will operate a weekday schedule … Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other race of Patriots' Day events. The approximate time for most street closures is 8:00 a.m. through 6:30 p.m." (See the MBTA page for special service notes.)

Commuter Boats "… will operate a regular weekday schedule."

"THE RIDE will operate a regular weekday schedule."

Complete details on all changes are at: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2015

MBTA PARKING

"Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on [Patriots' Day], April 20, [2015], in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly."

Official 2015 Boston Marathon information:

www.bostonmarathon.org

Related Posts:

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

Views from Hereford Street 2009

Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or as a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon on great items like Sandisk memory cards.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

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Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats
April 3, 2015
What’s Happening Around Boston in April 2015
April is a busy month with the Boston Marathon and other events making hotel rooms expensive and restaurant reservations scarce.

Easter Sunday April 4th & Passover April 4th-11th

On Easter Sunday, you'll find special menus in many restaurants. If you have suggestions for places not doing this or alternative dining suggestions for Easter, please add them. And, Passover is a great time to enjoy some of the special kosher foods that are easier to find at this time.

Related BostonZest Post: Where to Dine in Boston on Easter, April 5, 2015

Do you have a favorite place to buy chocolate for Easter Baskets?

Patriots Day Weekend/Boston Marathon & other BAA races 18th to the 20th

The Boston Athletic Association is expecting 30,000 runners and half a million spectators for the Marathon on April 20th. There are other races and marathon related events all weekend.

There will be road closures and changes in MBTA routes surrounding the Marathon course. Here are some links to information on those aspects of the race.

If you need to get somewhere on Marathon Monday – before the roads close – try to place yourself on the side of the course that will allow you to get where you're going.

Related Posts: A collection of tips for Marathon Weekend, some from past years, that we'll be updating between now and Marathon Monday.
Other Events

For a long list of events for people with varied tastes, check out The Boston Calendar for April 2015.

For free and budget events, follow along with Kate from Boston On Budget.

For a curated list of historic events, you can depend on historian Liz Covart.
- April 1st – New Food Truck Schedules go into effect with a few new trucks and new spots for some of your old favorites.
- April 3-5 is the Anime Boston event at the Hynes Convention Center. This is a fun time to walk the area and take photos of the people dressed as their favorite characters. Most of them love to pose. If you're in town for some other reason, this is just a short lived event, not how Bostonians dress.
- April 18 – Greenway Spring Food Festival: Noon to 4:00 p.m. Some of our favorite food trucks will be on hand.
- April 18 – The Swan Boats will sail out from under the bridge onto the Boston Public Garden Lagoon
- April 26 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Fresh Paint, Sunday! "View Copley Society artist members at work creating their "fresh" canvases around the city."
Who Are all These Conventioneers?

Here are the dates of conventions that will impact hotel pricing and availability:
- April 9-10 – Boston National College Fair, estimated attendees – 15,000
- April 16-18 – National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Meeting 2015, estimated attendees – 17,000
- April 29-May 2 – American College of Physicians Internal Medicine 2015, estimated attendees - 7,000
Graduation Season kicks off on April 25th

Every year, we publish a list of the spring graduation dates that make hotel and restaurant reservations harder to find in the weeks ahead. This year, we've added Wentworth Institute of Technology on April 25, 2015. If you need restaurant reservations or hotel rooms for friends and family from that date to June 5th, make them now.

You're up Next

What are your favorite April events or things you look forward to doing in Boston in April? Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestions to this post as an update.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino (graduation caps are from istockphoto.com)
.

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Collateral Damage as the Snow Melts
March 27, 2015
Boston’s Number One Taxi
Driving down Mass Ave, we spotted Boston taxi medallion number 1 and Massachusetts taxi license plate number 1.

Someone has to be number 1, but this is just a happenstance. What would make a taxi number 1 (meaning the best) in your opinion?

Essential for us is:
- A clean cab: especially no odor of smoke or sickening air fresheners.
- A driver who is not on the phone or eating while driving.
- Seat belts that are easy to use without part of it tucked under the seat.
- Radio not shared with back seat passengers.
- Credit card use available even if we don't intend to use it.
- A driver who knows where he or she is going.
- A driver who avoids or at least doesn't drive into a traffic jam. And, when driving around a jam, explain what you are doing.
What would you like to see added to Boston's Taxi rules.
- An available light on the top of the cab the way it's done in NYC.
- A Boston Hackney Unit app that would let you rate cabs by medallion number the way UBER lets you rate drivers and would let you report bad behavior in a quick efficient manner.
- A tracking app for taxis like the one for UBER so you know your cab is on the way. (Note: clicking on this UBER link to join will give you and us a bonus.)
- A serious fine for sitting outside a building blowing the taxi's horn to notify a passenger that you have arrived. Your passenger may not be near the front of the building, so you are only annoying people who do live near the door.
What's on your list? What would take you back to using cabs again?

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino
.

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March 26, 2015
What Is Evacuation Day (Saint Patrick’s Day) and What’s Open & Closed & MBTA Schedules?
This year, Evacuation Day (which most people admit is just an excuse for Saint Patrick's Day revelry) falls on a Tuesday – March 17th. City and state workers in Suffolk County no longer have this as a holiday. City Hall and the State offices in Suffolk County will be open. But, because of the parade and the drinking of the green beer, there will be a few adaptations around the city.

I do know that a lot of people will be taking advantage of the event to come to Boston. Questions about where to stay, which Irish Pub to visit, and how to get around the city have popped up over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. It looks like visitors are coming here from all over the country and especially from Ireland.

Do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day?
- What are your traditions for his yearly festival of all things Irish?
- Who makes your favorite brown bread or Irish soda bread? Scones?
- Are you going to the parade on Sunday 03/15/15? Note that the route has been shortened and the MBTA has not announced what service they will offer to and from the event. You can check this link to see if they update their events page.
- Will you be wearin' the green? (Here's a post on where to buy or rent all sorts of Wearin' of the Green gear!)
- Here's The Onion's Salute to the Saint Patrick's Day Celebations here and elsewhere. (Warning! It's an Auto Start Video with sound.)
About your holiday questions …

According to the Secretary of State's website,

"Evacuation Day – March 17th
(Suffolk County only, state and municipal offices are open)"

The day is not listed on Boston's list of holidays. Therefore, there's no change in parking regulations or trash pick up.
- Update: 03.10.15 As Kate from Boston on Budget pointed out in her comment below, some years the city has tweeted out free parking notices on this holiday. We'll update with details if we find that happens.
- Here's the official word on that:
Basically, everything is open. But, in the past, the city has asked South Boston liquor stores and bars to cut off sales early. There has been no announcement regarding this that we could find this year.

Some MBTA routes in South Boston will be changed because of the parade. Download MBTA St Patrick's Day Parade schedule.

We'll update as press releases come out from around the city.

Update 03/13/15:

Here's a link to and text of the City of Boston Traffic Advisory.

"The City of Boston’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2015, in South Boston. The parade will begin at 1 PM on West Broadway at Dorchester Avenue, will continue to East Broadway, and end at Farragut Road.

View Map of Route

The St. Patrick’s Day Road Race will also take place in South Boston on Sunday beginning at 11 AM. Runners will proceed from West Sixth Street at F Street onto Dorchester Street, right onto East Broadway, down and around the Farragut Statue at Day Boulevard, to East Broadway, right onto West Broadway, left onto E Street, left onto West Sixth Street, ending at the Boys and Girls Club at #230 West Sixth Street.

To accommodate the two events, staging/dispersal and clean-up, drivers should expect the following roads to be closed to vehicular traffic. Streets effected by the parade will close no later than 12 PM and streets effected by the road race will close no later than 10 AM.
- Broadway, from Dorchester Avenue to Farragut Road
- On intersecting streets from Dorchester Avenue through Farragut Road, vehicular traffic will not be allowed to cross Broadway
- Dorchester Avenue, in the vicinity of Gillette Park and Andrew Square
- Old Colony Avenue, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street
- Farragut Road, from Columbia Road to Shore Road/East First Street
- All race route streets while the runners make their way to the finish line
Due to a combination of snow and Resident Parking Only restrictions, parking in the neighborhood is limited. Additional parking restrictions that will be implemented temporarily to support Sunday’s events are as follows.

“Tow Zone, No Stopping, Boston Police Special Event Sunday”
- Dorchester Avenue: Both sides, from Gillette Park to Old Colony Avenue (Staging Area)
- Old Colony Avenue: Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street (Staging Area)
- West Broadway: Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to Dorchester Street
- East Broadway: Both sides, from Dorchester Street to Farragut Road
- Farragut Road: East side (park side), from Columbia Road to Shore Road /East First Street (Dispersal area)
- West Sixth Street: Southwest side, from Dorchester Avenue to F Street
- F Street: Southeast side (odd side – Boys & Girls Club side), West Sixth Street to Bowen Street
People coming into Boston to attend these events are kindly asked to take the MBTA. Information on service may be found at www.MBTA.com. For a faster return trip, the MBTA advises riders to purchase a round-trip rather than a one-way ticket."

Related Posts:

Irish Breakfast at the Squealing Pig

Matt Murphy's Pub Saves the Day

What's on your Amazon shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2008-2011 Penny Cherubino
March 9, 2015
What Is Evacuation Day (Saint Patrick’s Day) and What’s Open & Closed & MBTA Schedules?
This year, Evacuation Day (which most people admit is just an excuse for Saint Patrick's Day revelry) falls on a Tuesday – March 17th. City and state workers in Suffolk County no longer have this as a holiday. City Hall and the State offices in Suffolk County will be open. But, because of the parade and the drinking of the green beer, there will be a few adaptations around the city.

I do know that a lot of people will be taking advantage of the event to come to Boston. Questions about where to stay, which Irish Pub to visit, and how to get around the city have popped up over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. It looks like visitors are coming here from all over the country and especially from Ireland.

Do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day?
- What are your traditions for his yearly festival of all things Irish?
- Who makes your favorite brown bread or Irish soda bread? Scones?
- Are you going to the parade on Sunday 03/15/15? Note that the route has been shortened and the MBTA has not announced what service they will offer to and from the event. You can check this link to see if they update their events page.
- Will you be wearin' the green? (Here's a post on where to buy or rent all sorts of Wearin' of the Green gear!)
- Here's The Onion's Salute to the Saint Patrick's Day Celebations here and elsewhere. (Warning! It's an Auto Start Video with sound.)
About your holiday questions …

According to the Secretary of State's website,

"Evacuation Day – March 17th
(Suffolk County only, state and municipal offices are open)"

The day is not listed on Boston's list of holidays. Therefore, there's no change in parking regulations or trash pick up.
- Update: 03.10.15 As Kate from Boston on Budget pointed out in her comment below, some years the city has tweeted out free parking notices on this holiday. We'll update with details if we find that happens.
- Here's the official word on that:
Basically, everything is open. But, in the past, the city has asked South Boston liquor stores and bars to cut off sales early. There has been no announcement regarding this that we could find this year.

Some MBTA routes in South Boston will be changed because of the parade. Download MBTA St Patrick's Day Parade schedule.

We'll update as press releases come out from around the city.

Update 03/13/15:

Here's a link to and text of the City of Boston Traffic Advisory.

"The City of Boston’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2015, in South Boston. The parade will begin at 1 PM on West Broadway at Dorchester Avenue, will continue to East Broadway, and end at Farragut Road.

View Map of Route

The St. Patrick’s Day Road Race will also take place in South Boston on Sunday beginning at 11 AM. Runners will proceed from West Sixth Street at F Street onto Dorchester Street, right onto East Broadway, down and around the Farragut Statue at Day Boulevard, to East Broadway, right onto West Broadway, left onto E Street, left onto West Sixth Street, ending at the Boys and Girls Club at #230 West Sixth Street.

To accommodate the two events, staging/dispersal and clean-up, drivers should expect the following roads to be closed to vehicular traffic. Streets effected by the parade will close no later than 12 PM and streets effected by the road race will close no later than 10 AM.
- Broadway, from Dorchester Avenue to Farragut Road
- On intersecting streets from Dorchester Avenue through Farragut Road, vehicular traffic will not be allowed to cross Broadway
- Dorchester Avenue, in the vicinity of Gillette Park and Andrew Square
- Old Colony Avenue, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street
- Farragut Road, from Columbia Road to Shore Road/East First Street
- All race route streets while the runners make their way to the finish line
Due to a combination of snow and Resident Parking Only restrictions, parking in the neighborhood is limited. Additional parking restrictions that will be implemented temporarily to support Sunday’s events are as follows.

“Tow Zone, No Stopping, Boston Police Special Event Sunday”
- Dorchester Avenue: Both sides, from Gillette Park to Old Colony Avenue (Staging Area)
- Old Colony Avenue: Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street (Staging Area)
- West Broadway: Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to Dorchester Street
- East Broadway: Both sides, from Dorchester Street to Farragut Road
- Farragut Road: East side (park side), from Columbia Road to Shore Road /East First Street (Dispersal area)
- West Sixth Street: Southwest side, from Dorchester Avenue to F Street
- F Street: Southeast side (odd side – Boys & Girls Club side), West Sixth Street to Bowen Street
People coming into Boston to attend these events are kindly asked to take the MBTA. Information on service may be found at www.MBTA.com. For a faster return trip, the MBTA advises riders to purchase a round-trip rather than a one-way ticket."

Related Posts:

Irish Breakfast at the Squealing Pig

Matt Murphy's Pub Saves the Day

What's on your Amazon shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2008-2011 Penny Cherubino
March 9, 2015
Get Ready for Amtrak’s “All Aboard” for Dogs & Cats

It was just a couple of weeks ago when we asked you to "Lend Your Support to Allowing Dogs & Cats on Amtrak." The good news is that the bill we asked you to support has passed. While the bureaucrats slowly set up the program, you can get your companion animals ready to be great passengers.

Train on Local Trains

Our Poppy is a subway pro. We take her on the MBTA often enough to keep her acclimatized to the noise, crowded conditions, and movement of the trains. But, as someone who has ridden trains along the Northeast corridor, I know that the motion of those trains is not exactly the same as subway sways.

Commuter rail photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

Under MBTA pet guidelines, your dog or cat is already welcome aboard the Commuter Rail. Pick a destination where you and your dog can have some fun and plan a day trip this spring.

How about Salem as a first trip? It's a fairly short, half hour ride with lots to do when you get there. (In summer, there is also a ferry to Salem which can be a great way to get a dog ready for boat rides.)

If that works out, you could try Newburyport for the next destination – it takes a little more than an hour to reach and should be a good test.

It would be a good idea for us to get Poppy used to riding in her Sherpa Pet Carrier because we usually travel off-peak on the subway and can hold her in a lap or in our arms.

CapeFLYER Is Pet Friendly

If a trip to Cape Cod is more to your liking, you and your dog or cat can ride the CapeFLYER to one of its stops, once the train resumes for the summer season. Pets ride free aboard this popular service. And, I have to wonder if the pet option is one of the reasons it was an immediate success.

Acela photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

New York, Portland, and Philadelphia Here We Come!

Once we are allowed to take Poppy with us, we'll be on board for three of our favorite car-free destinations: New York City, Philadelphia, and Portland, Maine.

Downeaster photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

The Downeaster to Portland should be one of the first test routes considering how dog-friendly that city happens to be. And, we look forward to spending more time in New York and Philadelphia.

Where will you go by train with your favorite companion animal?

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

*

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: istockphoto for the traveling dog image. Trains are courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism used under this creative commons license.

March 8, 2015
Lend Your Support to Allowing Dogs & Cats on Amtrak
We know that our family would travel more if the entire family were allowed to travel by train. Right now, there is a pilot program under way in Illinois and a bill pending in the US House (The Pets on Trains Act of 2015, or H.R. 674) that would begin to allow some people with dogs and cats to ride on Amtrak.

Poppy waiting for a ride on the MBTA

Our Westie Poppy is welcome on the MBTA outside of rush hours. All our dogs have been passengers on ferries in Boston Harbor, Provincetown, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and in Portland Maine. We have never witnessed an incident with dogs on any of these trips. And, on ferries, there is no size limit and no carrier is required.

If you think opening the rails to people with companion animals is a good idea, please contact your representatives in Congress and the President to ask for their support and quick action on the Pets on Trains Act of 2015, or H.R. 674. You can find the addresses here.

Responsible Access Only, Please

Not all dogs are appropriate passengers on all mass transit systems. And, it is often the worst case scenarios and most irresponsible people who ruin something like this for the rest of us. We would love to see a registry for dogs and cats allowed to participate, with microchip scanning as a part of the ticketed access.

This way you would only have to sign the responsibility waiver once and any person with a dog who jeopardizes the future of the program could be barred. It would be much better to have barriers to behavior than to size.

Here's Poppy in the back of a Zipcar. We do all we can to be sure her presence is not a problem for the next member to reserve the car.

Learn More and Take Action

Please take the time to learn a bit more about the value of this program to: those of us with companion animals, the environment, and businesses, then contact those who can make it happen. (As of this writing, our Representative, Michael Capuano of Massachusetts, is a co-sponsor of the bill, so we'll be sending him our support and thanks.)
- The sponsor of the bill, U.S. Representative Jeff Denham has said, “Last year I worked in collaboration with Amtrak, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and a small working group to launch a six-month pilot program to test the idea of having pets on trains,” said Rep. Denham. “This legislation builds on the success of that pilot program and would help families nationwide save money and time in traveling with their pets while bringing in much-needed revenue for Amtrak.”
- The original Co-sponsor, U.S. Representative Steve Cohen said, “For many Americans, pets are simply part of the family—and all of us lucky enough to have pets are incredibly blessed by the companionship they provide.” “I am proud to work with my friend, Congressman Denham, on this important legislation to ensure families can bring their pets when traveling on Amtrak and that pets aren’t left behind to fend for themselves.”
- The working group for this bill includes: the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), the Federal Railroad Administration, and Amtrak.
- Allowing people to leave the car behind and travel by Mass transit helps with the congestion on the highways and is less polluting.
- Businesses (like hotels, shops, and restaurants) that cater to people who travel with companion animals could see an increase in business if this passes.
- Thanks to our friend Amy Burkert over on Go Pet Friendly for inspiring this post. There is more background on this at her link.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino for Poppy on the MBTA and istockphoto for the traveling dog image.

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What’s Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2015 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Schedule Changes
UPDATE: What's Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2016 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Schedule Changes

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 19, 2015. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

Once again, we've selected a Photo of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by Scott Ableman Some rights reserved

Restaurants, Bars: Open

Convenience Stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose

Liquor Stores: Open

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston

If you're looking for something to do on this holiday, the MFA has a full schedule of special events and invites the community to visit for free that day.

Boston Trash and Recycling: The City website says,

Martin Luther King Week 2015: Monday, January 19 – Saturday, January 24, 2015

"No delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End

Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

Street Cleaning: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19, 2015:

For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link. At this time the MBTA has not posted the 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Schedule. To help you plan:

Here is what they did last year:
- Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver lines will operate on a Saturday schedule.
- Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
- Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
- Boat service – Hingham, Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules.
- The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule.
For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com

Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Photo of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by Scott Ableman used under creative commons license Some rights reserved

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What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2014 – 2015 plus Parking, Trash & More
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve December 31, 2014 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2015.

This is an outdated post. Click the link below for the latest information:

What's Open in Boston New Year's Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2015 – 2016 plus Parking, Trash & More

What's closed? Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules? We have the answers for you, all organized in one post!

Some businesses close early on New Year's Eve but with the crowds expected for First Night, others, especially those in the hospitality business, stay open. Call before you leave if you plan to visit a business on the 31st.

Here's what we've learned about January 1st, 2015 – New Year's Day

Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Here's a link to our post on restaurants that are open for the celebration:

Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2014 and New Years Day Brunch 2015 in Boston.

Convenience stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Supermarkets: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

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Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

Boston Trash Collection: Here's the announcement from Public Works from the Recycling & Trash Holiday Collection Schedule:

"Monday, December 29, 2014 – Saturday, January 3, 2015

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday December 29th, 30th, and 31st: Regular trash and recycling for all sections of the City.

Bay Village Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Lower Roxbury, Mission Hill, North End, South End, and Sections of Back Bay: regular schedule, no delays.

Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, South Boston, West Roxbury: Delayed a day on Thursday, and Friday.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
MBTA Schedule Changes for New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day …

The MBTA has full information on their events page. (If you are coming to this post after the holiday, that page will have changed.)

Here are the important points for New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2014
The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on a modified weekday schedule with additional trains operating at rush-hour levels of service throughout the evening from 3 p.m. until approximately 2 a.m.

The Siver Line will run on a weekday schedule

The Commuter Rail will run on a modified weekday schedule with additional service provided – the last trains out are listed here. Also check that link for restrictions on bicycles on commuter rail on the 31st.

Buses, trackless trolleys, and Express buses will run on a regular weekday schedule

Boats: will operate a regular weekday schedule

The Ride will operate on a regular weekday schedule with extended hours until 2:30 a.m.
Here are the important points for New Year's Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2014

The Silver, Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on Sunday Schedule

Some Commuter Rail lines will run on a Sunday schedule except Needham which will not operate.

Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with a long list of buses not operating. Check those here.

Boats will not operate

The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
For more information, call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or visit the MBTA website."
Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © iStockphoto

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