Rabbits at Alewife Station

With Easter just around the corner I thought it would be fun to talk about some furry friends hanging around the T. 

If you have ever been to the Alewife station in the spring and summer, you may have noticed some cute faces popping out of the woodwork.

Rabbits! and lots of them!😊

These rabbits, or more specifically Cottontails, are common in the Bay State. The Cottontails are well-known and even have their own Massgov webpage about them (that's how you know you've made it big!)  

Information about the rabbits can be found here:
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/fish-wildlife-plants/mammals/cottontails-in-massachusetts.html

Next time you're in the Alewife area, grab a coffee and keep a close eye out for some local wildlife.

Can you find the Cottontail in this photo???

Weird Destinations: Museum of Bad Art (Davis Square T Stop)

"Mama and Babe"
Sarah Irani, 1995
24" x 30", Acrylic on Canvas
Donated by the artist

Tired of looking at aesthetically pleasing paintings and sculptures at the Museum of Fine Arts? Then take the Red Line to Davis Square station and behold the Museum of Bad Art! Located in the basement of the Somerville Theatre, the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) offers a collection of really shitty art. The museum describes their collection as ranging from "the work of talented artists that have gone awry to works of exuberant, although crude, execution by artists barely in control of the brush."


The museum showcases between 20 and 40 pieces of donated artwork at a time. Although the space is small, MOBA is proud that they are conveniently located next to the theatre bathrooms. Admission to the MOBA is free with the purchase of a Somerville Theatre movie ticket or you can request a free ticket by emailing Info@MuseumOfBadArt.org.


MOBA has two additional locations that you can check out at the Brookline Interactive Group and the New England Wildlife Center Gallery.

"Dog"
Unknown
Acrylic on canvas
Donated by Elizabeth and Sorn Pöckel, Copenhagen, Denmark

Confession: I'm an MBTA Clicktivist

Is this the best I can do?

With the recent threats to suspend weekend Commuter Rail service still making me twitch, I've been  forced me reconsider my passive approach to transit issues. Living south of the city, I rely heavily on weekend CR trips to keep my outings within the limits of my meager social budget. Despite the negative impact the cuts to service would have on my life, I failed to do anything beyond sign a petition fellow Weird MBTA blogger Mick Joeber laid right in front of me with his recent blog post and passively complain to people within my bubble.

There is an ugly truth I have to accept about myself: I'm a MBTA clicktivist.

I got lucky this time. The outcry, much of it through social media, seems to be enough to stave of the weekend CR cuts, at least for the time being. But had the cuts gone through, I'd have to accept that I essentially sat there reading about Tom Brady's jersey from "The Big Game" while a critical public utility was at stake. The lesson: time to do more. The MBTA has dozens of public meetings scheduled in the coming month and I pledge to attend one of them and report back to our loyal readers what I learned. It's time to do more than just create hashtags and like posts to get what we want. #dosomething

The New Orange Line Cars’ Cool Features

“…and boom! There you have it. New cars for orange line.” I shouted as I stood up in front of the computer. “Yes!” I was so excited with the news. “Finally, we can see how they look like and what the new awesome features are.”

MBTA Time Travel: The Omnibus



     Ever wonder what the subway was like in 18th-19th century Boston? Well then folks, let's jump into our time-traveling phone booth and head back to a time when Tinder was something used to cook stew and Bluetooth was something you called a blueberry-eater.

Photo Credit: Cambridge Historical Society

       Before planes, trains and automobiles, Bostonians got around on foot or by horse. According to the MBTA's website:

"In Boston itself, public transportation had its start with two different types of horse drawn vehicles. During 1793, the first stagecoach operation was started between Boston and Cambridge over the West Boston Bridge. During the next fifty years, stagecoaches operated from Boston directly to other cities in New England. However, in the 1820's a new form of local transportation entered the daily scene. This was the so-called omnibus - (OMNI - a bus for all, everywhere). Longer than a conventional stagecoach, it had lengthwise seats along either side rather than cross seats, and a door at either end. Stagecoaches went directly from one city or town; omnibuses made several stops along an assigned route."

      Today, the omnibus may not be transporting passengers in Boston, but motorized versions exist in England and the sovereign nation of  Disney World.

What Is "Weird" on the Commuter Rail?

Commuter Rail riders doing what they do: quietly minding their own business.

I had to take my cat on the #1 bus from Central Square to the vet. A man leaned in to look in the cat carrier and whispered, "I won't eat you."

- Reddit post from user comababy from 2014

One time I saw a guy at Malden station. He had a pecan pie, which was missing one slice. In the space where the slice was missing, he had cracked two raw eggs, and was eating it with a spoon.

- Reddit post from user bornahallac from 2015

I'm a serial mover. With the exception of the beloved studio+ I rented in East Watertown* from 2008 to 2012, I haven't lived in one residence for longer than 2 years since 2000. I won't say I've lived all over, but I've lived in enough locations to have used all different services of the T. Buses, subway lines, express bus routes, the silver line, the commuter rail, I've logged thousands of miles on each of them. Currently I'm laying my head in a nice sleepy suburb in the Neponset Valley and use the Franklin/Forge Park Commuter Rail line to get to work and play in the city. I've seen more than my share of weird stuff riding the T, but it never seems to be on the Commuter Rail. I ask you: does the Commuter Rail get weird?

One of these things is less weird than the others?

My fellow blogger Julin reminded us of the subjectivity of weirdness in his recent blog post. Perhaps a better question than the one previously posed would be: what does weirdness on the Commuter Rail look like? In order to be weird, you need to be do something outside of normative behavior and outside of popular expectation. It's an unfair and socially defined standard but it makes sense. The central city area transit just seems to present more opportunities to observe things that on the margins of behavior. But that doesn't mean the Commuter Rail doesn't have its own weird stuff. It may just seem a lot less weird to the seasoned bus and subway rider. Here's a few things I think are considered weird on the Commuter Rail?

1. Inaccurate announcements that seem to bother NO ONE
I've ridden many trains that announced the wrong station, wrong direction, and even the wrong line (I'm talking about the computerized announcements. The conductors are on the ball). Why does this happen and why does no one seem alarmed when it does?

2. Using the overhead storage area
I got nothin' clever to say here. I just don't get why this is so underused.

3. Doing nothing to occupy your time
I'll say this, CR riders know how to take advantage of someone else doing the driving for them. Email on your smartphone, read a book, chat with your coworkers or neighbors, and even sleeping, these are CR norms. Doing nothing isn't. That person sitting on the train for 55 minutes doing nothing but start at the seat in front of them. Very weird!

Have suggestions for others? I'll gladly add them to the list, attributing them to you of course.

*Take the 71 to The Town Deluxe Diner! You'll thank me.

Hidden Gems at Porter Square

Ah, Porter Square! Home to the largest Star Market this side of the Mississippi (well, until the BFresh opened up this month) and the infamous station stairs.

So many stairs! And this is only about half of them!

With the super market, stairs and the crazy intersection, it seems like you know all there is to know about this T stop.

Think again! 

Just steps from the station is the old Sears building, which has a collection of unique shops and eateries. Many of the restaurants are small Japanese establishments with limited seating. While the space is small the flavor is phenomenal. There are ramen shops, perfect for this unseasonably chill March weather. 

The building formally known as Sears

There are also Yoshoku eateries, which specialize in western-influenced plates like curry, hamburger steak and stews.

Curry! Yum! (and cheap!)

Just make sure to bring cash since many of these places don’t take credit card. 

Happy eating!!!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2018 will be better on Friday

Yeah! If you live out of Boston, and you don't want to struggle with traffic or parking on a Sunday, then they better move the parade to Friday because there will be no commuter rail service on weekends. That’s my friend T-Rider's proposal to the organizers of the parade. He lives stressed out about his commute, and because of that he always checks the MBTA’s website to keep up with the sudden changes. 

Out of the blue he jumped off his chair and said, “how caring is the MBTA to look out for its customers, concerned about their safety and their well-being?” From my desk I was quick to ask what he was talking about.

And without a break he continued, now reading from his computer screen, “The MBTA is encouraging riders traveling to the St. Patrick’s Day parade to board any Red Line train to South, Broadway, or Andrew Stations. They also added that due to public safety concerns, Red Line trains may bypass Broadway. The reason is the possibility of heavy crowds in that station which may make it not suitable to drop off riders. How amazing is that?” he asked.

Three Suburban Craft Breweries Accessible by the T

Heaven.... I mean the taps at Jack's Abby in Framingham

Every Boston area pub and packie offers craft beer nowadays. Weird MBTA knows true beers nerds like to go to the source. Here are three great suburban breweries worth a ride on the T. More than just tastings, these offer excellent food, great atmosphere, and brewery exclusive beers.

Jack's Abby - Framingham/Worcester Line Commuter Rail to Framingham
Jack's Abby Beer Hall & Kitchen in Framingham is a short walk from the Framingham Commuter Rail Station. Jack's offers 24 different styles of lager on tap and an awesome selection of wood-fired pizzas. With an open-style seating in the tradition of German beer halls, you can expect a lively and social atmosphere.

Notch Brewery and Tap Room

Notch Brewery and Tap Room - -Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail to Salem
With attractions like the Peabody Essex Museum and the House of Seven Gables, Salem offers one of the most attractive day trip options on the entire MBTA system. You can add the Notch Brewery and Tap Room to the list of reasons to go. One taste of their crushable session beer and you'll be under the spell of these Witch City brewers. Traditional beer snacks like soft pretzels and pickled eggs are available for hungry visitors. Pro Tip: brush up on your 90s indie music before you go so you can recognize the song-inspired beer names.


Hopsters - 57, 502, or 504 bus to Newton Corner

Hop on the bus to Hopsters and use these hops.

What's better than going to a craft brewery to drink beer and eat great food with friends? Leaving said craft brewery with three cases of beer you brewed yourself. At Hopsters in Newton Corner, you can drink, dine, and brew. According to founder Lee Cooper, Hopsters is "a community brewery that brings people together to experiment and create unique craft beers, and learn more about brewing beer in general." Hopsters takes the intimidation out of brewing giving customers all the support and supplies needed to brew their beer on site, including customized labeling. Time for me to go brew a batch of Weird MBTA IPA!

PETITION: Keep Weekend Commuter Rail Service

In order to close a $42 million deficit, the MBTA is proposing an end to weekend commuter rail service. This cut would impact individuals travelling to work, college students visiting home, and riders with disabilities that rely on "door-to-door" services provided by the MBTA.

We started a petition to tell Governor Charlie Baker that ending weekend service is not an effective solution to the budget deficit. Sign the petition to show your support for weekend commuters:

https://www.change.org/p/charlie-baker-keep-weekend-mbta-commuter-rail-service

Local Weirdness: The Somerville Bike Path

Just steps away from the Davis Square T station (a “4” on our weirdness Richter scale) lies the one of a kind and very weird Somerville Bike Path! 

The bike path (also officially known as the Somerville Community Path) is a great way to get from Davis to all the local spots in suburban Somerville. It’s also a good way to get to all the different porches during the city’s annual PorchFest (more on that later!).

The path is tree-lined but don’t let the tranquility fool you! There are some weird and neat things to look out for when meandering down the path:

Awesome mural of Somerville

Hey there, Moosey!

Not sure what this is, but it’s definitely weird!

 

So take a stroll and enjoy what nature and weirdness has to offer!

PAX East Twitter Contest: Win a ThinkGeek Gift Card

PAX East roles into Boston from March 10-12 and the MBTA is sure to get WEIRD! Follow @WeirdMBTA on Twitter and tweet us a picture of your ride to or from PAX East for your chance to win a $25 ThinkGeek gift card. Be weird, get geeky, and have fun!

RULES: Contest ends Sunday, March 12th at 12:00AM (midnight). Participants must follow @WeirdMBTA to be eligible for prize. Winner notified on Monday, March 13th.

Redline Service Halt

Hello! Everybody out there! Be prepared! Here it comes again! Embrace yourselves for one more sacrifice! After all, for what you usually say, that’s what identify you as an MBTA rider. Isn’t it?

Redline trains will not operate during the weekend of March 11 and 12 between Harvard and Alewife Stations in both directions. If you need transportation, go use the replacement buses that they arranged. Thought that was all? Perhaps you even started making fun of the riders who use those stations. Guess what?

Missed Connection: Pink Hair Buddies

Here at Weird MBTA, we're beat journalists, paranormal investigators, and last but not least, matchmakers! On this week's edition of Missed Connections, brought to you by Craigslist, a pink-haired lady is searching for the pink-haired man of her dreams:


"Pink hair buddies on the mbta - w4m (Somerville)

We saw each other on the B Line, you had pink hair and glasses, I had pink hair and glasses, I was hanging out with two other people, you got off at Kenmore before I could say hi. You are super good looking and I loved your hair and general face so much. Please say hi to me"

If you know who this Pepto Bismol-haired man-of-mystery is, shoot weirdmbta@gmail.com an email or tweet us @WeirdMBTA and we'll do our best to get these two love flamingos together.

Quest to Find the Longest Trip on the MBTA

Trip Planner Itinerary for Providence to Fitchburg

MBTA trips come in various shapes and sizes. Sometimes it's as simple as hopping on the subway at one stop and getting off at the next (sound familiar BU students on the B line?). Other times, it's an impressive trek across multiple lines and spanning multiple cities. The hours in transit can really add up on these trips. At Weird MBTA, we're on a quest to find the longest one-way weekday trip you can take on the T.

So far, the leader is Providence to Fitchburg which totals 199 minutes on Commuter Rail and Subway trains. That's 3 hours and 19 minutes of riding the T if it runs perfect. You can take the Silver Line to Logan and fly to Florida in about the same amount of time. Can you find a longer one-way trip on a weekday using the trip planner tool on the MBTA web page? If you do, send us a screen shot of the trip and we'll give you a shout out on various social media channels. Enjoy!

Weird? Who’s weird?

Not me, for sure! Most would say!

We see so many strange things going on while riding public transportation that, sometimes, one scratches his/her head.

Wear Your Charlie Card

Wonder Twin powers activate! Tired of fumbling around looking for your Charlie Card? Now you can  pay for your MBTA fare with a fist bump.

The Sesame Ring is a wearable device that takes the place of an MBTA Charlie Card. Developed by Ring Theory, the 3-D printed gadget works on subways and buses and is endorsed by the MBTA.

The rings come in six sizes and a monthly pass can be added to the Sesame Ring.  However, the Sesame Rings do not work with the Corporate Pass Program. In addition, the device is water proof and if finger jewelry isn’t your thing, you can use it like a key chain.

Rings cost $25 and can be ordered through Ring Theory’s website.


Watch the Sesame Ring in action:

The Lowdown on Charlie Cards

When it comes to payment on the MBTA subway you have two options (and no, jumping the turnstile does not count!): Charlie Card and Charlie Ticket. 

Unless you're in Boston for a day or two, the card trumps the ticket. The Charlie Card charges cheaper rides and is easy to reload. Charlie tickets charge standard fare and are harder to scan. While scanning takes a second seconds longer this makes a huge difference when trying to catch the morning subway. Charlie Cards are also great because you can register your card! 

Yay, card!

Boo, ticket!

Make sure you keep track of you cards. I learned the hard way when I purchased a monthly pass for my Charlie Card. I lost the card and the stored monthly pass (a nontrivial ~$80).

Pro tip: You can register your Charlie Card online with the MBTA. 

That way if you ever lose your card you don't lose any of your money.