Recent comments in /f/providence

cofonseca t1_j89fx48 wrote

Reply to Commute to Boston (Back Bay) from Providence by mindful_intervention

I did the commute every day for 8 years, and still do at least once a month.

Amtrak is the fastest way into the city with the fewest stops, and is often less crowded, but there are fewer times to choose from and I believe it's a little more expensive than the MBTA commuter rail.

The commuter rail takes longer because there are more stops, but you have far more trains to choose from on the schedule which is helpful for aligning your train schedule with your work schedule, leaving early, or getting home late if you wanted to stay late for an event or drinks with coworkers.

I took the MBTA because it aligned better with my schedule, made stops at TF Green (I lived in Warwick at the time), and was less expensive, which reminds me... most employers in Boston will pay for a monthly commuter pass for the MBTA, but not for Amtrak. Something to consider. The commuter rail isn't the most reliable (can often be 10-15 mins late, sometimes more, though this is rare in my experience), and is much busier, but for the most part it was fine.

Talk to your employer about working your start/stop time around the train schedule. It really sucks leaving work and having to sit around for 45 minutes waiting for the next train home, then sitting around on the train for another hour. This type of commute is already exhausting, so anything you can do to minimize the amount of time commuting will really help.

Where exactly do you live? Parking at Providence can be expensive. If you're open to taking the MBTA commuter rail, look into taking the train from Wickford Junction, TF Green, or the new Pawtucket station. All three would be much cheaper for parking and would probably reduce your drive time.

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boop-snoot-boogie t1_j895ql3 wrote

Reply to Commute to Boston (Back Bay) from Providence by mindful_intervention

I did the Amtrak thing for a long time from PVD into BBY. If you're right in Back Bay, getting back in an emergency is pretty easy. At best, you hit the next train, whatever it is (MBTA or Amtrak), at worst you just eat a $100 Uber ride. The latter is a last resort, but if the money is alright then it's still a net win if you have to use it.

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The_Goddamn_Batgirl t1_j892i0n wrote

Reply to Commute to Boston (Back Bay) from Providence by mindful_intervention

I take the MBTA 2-3x a week to Ruggles. It’s an enjoyable ride, I just zone out with either music or a book. Some days are more crowded than others based on if schools are in session.

For parking - I would park across the street from the station at the Avalon. The early bird price is about $5-6 cheaper.

I have a two year old medically complicated kiddo at home, so I understand the nerves of being totally unreliable if you’re away at the office. It might be harder, but for us better pay and a hybrid schedule made us feel better

Quick edit to add: I’d you purchase your tickets through the app you also save some bucks.

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Evdoggydog15 t1_j891err wrote

Reply to comment by BeingABeing in Musician Work by JoshKerwinMusic

I'd add The Met to that list too. For gigs I'd hit up the local breweries for residency type stuff. I was just at Gansett, and they had a band playing. Union station, the guild too.

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