Recent comments in /f/providence

packsox4 t1_j88u2py wrote

I made that commute for three years. It definitely wears on you. However I did it five days a week vs. three, and on commuter rail vs. Amtrak, so you may have a better experience.

Two things I’d be aware of. The first is that the Amtrak trains are much more infrequent than commuter rail, which itself is at best only once an hour. One of the things I found most annoying wasn’t the time spent on the train, moreso being beholden to the schedules. If something arises back home you’re at best an hour and a half from being there. The second thing is the Amtrak trains are often delayed, especially the one going to Boston since it’s coming from DC. That was a big factor in why I kept with the commuter rail, which was largely on time.

Whatever you decide, congrats on the interview, good luck!

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RhodyViaWIClamDigger t1_j88tj6h wrote

I did the TF Green to S. Station (last stop on line, but one stop after Back Bay) for four years.
A few times a month I would do the Amtrak route from PVD - I found I had to arrive extremely early in the AM to get a parking spot. Cheap as it is to park there, early bird gets the worm. I ask was able to choose my days to be in office, and they were flexible. I recommend being flexible beyond T / W / Th - those are likely the same days chosen as everyone else with such flexibility. Randomly, a Friday in the office that ended with a train ride home was a calming start to the weekend. I knew when I got off the train I was done for a few days. More life balance than budget/convenience I suppose. Get your Amtrak tickets or pass as advanced as possible. Also, just to say you’ve done it, consider doing the commuter rail now and then. Builds character, not that I assume you have none. It’s one of those gotta try it’s if you’re going to be part of the Rhody to Boston masses.

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