bostonzest

Tag: taxi

  • Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

    As our way of welcoming new residents to Boston, we'll be adding to and updating our Boston:101 category. Today, we'll share some of the ways we get around with a dog since we don't own a car. You'll find lots of links in this Friday Link post.

     DSC_8029 - Version 22012-09-17-poppy-MBTA-dog on T-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's our girl, Poppy, waiting inside an MBTA subway station. Dogs can ride the T. Over at www.mbta.com you'll find the details. 

    "Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers and out of the way of exits."

    DSC_8043 - Version 22012-09-17-poppy-MBTA-dog on T-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We don't give much thought to the sights and sounds of a subway ride but as a new experience for a dog, it can be frightening. We started Poppy out with a quick ride from Copley to Hynes and now with a few trips under her paws, she seems ready to go to the ends of the lines. 

    These rules apply to all the MBTA services: subway, streetcar, bus, commuter rail, and ferry.

    On the Water

    Speaking of ferries, you can also take your dog on Boston Harbor Cruises for a trip around the harbor, or to Winthrop, Hingham, Charlestown, Salem, or Provincetown. (Some routes are seasonal)

    City Water Taxi will be happy to zip you across the harbor with your dog. 

    The ferries that take you out to the Boston Harbor Islands will be running on their fall schedule until Columbus Day, October 8th this year. Here's what they say about dogs.

    " Pets are restricted in the park to foster visitor safety and resource protection.  Dogs are welcomed at Deer and Nut Islands, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial (peninsulas accessible by car only).  Day visitors may bring dogs to Bumpkin and Grape Islands, though not in camping areas.  No pets are allowed on other islands in the park.  Service dogs are permitted on all islands."

    Taxis

    We alert the taxi dispather that we have a small dog with us when we call for a cab. That way we can avoid drivers who don't want to take us. So far, we have not had a problem calling for a taxi with our dog. We do bring a pad to put on the seat so that the next passenger doesn't end up with dog hair on their clothing. And, we like to carry Poppy in her Sherpa Bag Pet Carrier when we're in a car. We use the center seat belt to secure the bag in case of an accident. 

    DSC_8084 - Version 22012-09-17-poppy-MBTA-dog on T-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino
     

    Amtrak & Intercity Buses: where you are not welcome!

    Happy Update 2015: Some pet are now welcome on Amtrak: Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats

    While this national railroad service seems to need all the passengers and support it can get, it continues to discriminate against citizens who travel with their dogs. Only specific service animals are allowed and even that is restricted. 

    With nearby, dog-friendly Portland, Maine connected to Boston by the Downeaster, we'd take the train often if our dog could come with us.

    We have not been able to find a bus service to New York that allows us to ride with a dog. If you know of one, please share.

    Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    What's on your fall shopping list. Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino  
     

    Related articles
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    It's like the entire country and Canada and some of their friends rode the T
    Woman claims GPS told her to drive on Beacon Street trolley tracks
    PTSD: VA limits funding for service dogs
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  • UBER: On-Call Car Service in Boston

    Uber screengrab

    This year, we added one more option to our car-free lifestyle. UBER offered a discounted $40 introductory package on Gilt City Boston and we bought it. Since then, we've treated ourselves to a few UBER rides and are ready to recommend it to you at today's Friday Link.

    Test Drives!

    Our first trip was to the preview opening of the Gardner Museum. It seemed like a festive event and our schedule for the day was heavy, so to enjoy more time exploring the museum, we decided to take a ride there and then on to our next destination.  

    We used the UBER iPhone app to request a car. We watched the app as the photo of the driver who had accepted our request popped up, then followed his movement on a map as he approached from about seven minutes away. Unlike a taxi, we knew where he was and that he was really on his way to our location. When he arrived out front, he called to let us know.

    We enjoyed a couple of hours exploring the new and old spaces at the Gardner, had a meal at Cafe G, and then pulled up the UBER app and requested a ride to our next destination. This time, our driver hit some traffic and called to say he'd be a few minutes longer. He arrived, quicker than expected, and called to tell us he was in front of the door.

    Another evening, we tested the service on a rain-soaked trip through rush hour and baseball traffic to an event in the Fenway area. Each time, we've been happy that we were in the care of a completely professional, attentive driver whose only concern was making our day a bit better and getting us calmly and safely to our destination. 

    Last week we found a perfect use of UBER– a pick up from a medical procedure. For Penny, it was an appointment at Mass Eye and Ear that left her dilated eyes half-blind in the blazing sun. Rather than fumble around trying to find a cab, she called UBER. Her driver, Sal arrived in minutes, handed her into his clean, comfortable car, found a way out of the traffic jam surrounding the hospital area, and even offered to assist her into our building. 

    For Us, It's Worth the Price!

    Yes, UBER costs a bit more than a taxi. But, it costs less than a scheduled car service for trips like these. The cars are clean, the drivers professional, and we enjoy the difference.

    Since we don't own a car and usually walk, take the MBTA, use Zipcars, or rentals, UBER fits nicely into our transportation scheme. We look forward to using UBER in the other cities, like New York, where it's also available.

    DISCOUNTS!!

    This UBER link will give you a $10 credit to get you started and they will also send a reward our way.

    And, if you click on the Zipcar box over to the left, you can get a driving credit to start you off when you join and we'll also have some Zip added to our account.

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

     


    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

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