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Hi_Jynx t1_j6ntzbr wrote

Reply to comment by RailRoad_Candy in Wu wants to cut fares at Boston’s commuter rail stations. Is that really a good idea? (NO PAYWALL) by GlobeOpinion

Eh, the commuter rail is pretty expensive if you have a longish commute for a monthly pass so it probably is at least partly the issue. But the unreliability and infrequent trains is also part of the problem I imagine.

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Victor_Korchnoi t1_j6o15wl wrote

The frequency is absolutely an issue, the reliability is actually really good. In the ~100 times I’ve taken the Needham Line I’ve never had a train more than a couple minutes late.

But the price and frequency make the bus to the subway a more attractive option most of the time.

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Hi_Jynx t1_j6p8r33 wrote

Eh. I remember having to wait at the Andover station over an hour during a snow storm - one of the last times you want the train to be so delayed. I get on some level weather happens and it can/will cause delays but I really wouldn't call that reliable. Bonus because the Andover station last I was on it does not have any type of enclosed waiting area so it was not a pleasant experience not knowing when the train would come and not really being able to get out of the cold/weather at risk of missing when the upcoming train would come.

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CJYP t1_j6pc7qk wrote

If the snowstorm is bad enough, every travel method will be disrupted. Driving would certainly be just as delayed, or more, along with a high risk of getting into a crash. Biking would barely work at all. Walking could work if you have the right gear, but you need to be prepared and take it slow. Flights would be delayed or cancelled. Busses might be ok, if there are bus lanes for enough of the route and the plows got to them, but even that's iffy. There just isn't a good way to travel when the snow is that bad, and holding the commuter rail to an unrealistic standard doesn't really help.

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Hi_Jynx t1_j6phchs wrote

I don't know if I would call it that bad, cars were certainly still running and people were considering pooling together for a rideshare, there's just not many options further from the city.

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Wtf_is_this1234 t1_j6pav9c wrote

> In the ~100 times I’ve taken the Needham Line I’ve never had a train more than a couple minutes late.

So basically, you rode it once and it came on time?

CR pre-covid had daily delays on just about every line exceeding 15 minutes.

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