My first Arlington commute: Warning! Bus geeking

[mizarchivist]

Despite the rain today , I am pretty stoked.

From what I can tell, I can choose between 67, 77, 79, 350- can't remember where 80 ends up-, but saw an 80 bus-
I took a 79 over the 77 since minkrose - and others- have gone on at length about how irritating the 77 can be at rush hour (faster to walk sometimes, given how it stops at every block). The driver was concerned about the congestion on 16/2, but seriously- it only took 10 minutes from my stop to Alewife. I think that turned out to be better than the slow path up Mass. Ave. From Lexington it's 20-30 min, minimum. And as we know, it doesn't take much for a slow down in one spot to domino through the commute. I got into Park St. by 8 and sitting to have my breakfast by 8:15ish.

So! Those who take buses through Arlington in towards downtown Boston-- What's your favorite? Do you find that taking a different path helps depending on in/out bound?

Comments

[spinrabbit.livejournal.com]

The 80 goes across the bit of West Medford where anotherjen and I are, down Boston Ave and College Ave to Powderhouse, onto Broadway through Ball Square, and eventually to Lechmere. I can't advise on the central question, sorry.

[mizarchivist]

But now I know about 80 without having to look it up ;)
Thanks!
Also, good to see you Saturday

[crosslet.livejournal.com]

Funny. I find the 77 bus to be more reliable. The distance from the Rt 2/16 intersection to Alewife is almost the distance to Porter. If traffic is particular bad the 79 might be a bit better and if getting on at Alewife you're guaranteed a seat. However, I find the worse stretch is between Arlington Center and Rt 16. And thats the same for the 77,79, and 350. In the morning, I grab whichever gets there first.

In the afternoon, the 79 is inconsistent. I tried timing it with the iPhone app and frequently got to Alewife and the bus isn't due for 30 mins. Granted with the 350 as another option, you might have better luck.

The 80 bus goes to Lechmere is very slow in my experience.

I work in Kendall, and I find biking the best option.

[mizarchivist]

Heee- Yeah, I am likely to bike to Alewife (very slowly) as soon as it stops raining. Which will determine a bit of things. However, I will keep that in mind re: 77 vs. 79. I got lucky today. The other bonus of 79 is that more likely to get a seat on the train, too. But hey. Woman with big belly can frequently oust the thoughtful and unpregnant (there are a few on the train... I swear)

[ceo]

When I was semi-regularly coming in from Arlington Center after dropping Benjamin off at his old preschool, I found the 77 vs. 79 was somewhat of a wash. Traffic on both Mass. Ave and 16 is unpredictable enough that it was pretty much a roll of the dice. Don't know about outbound, though.

Actually...

[minkrose]

I certainly distrust the 77 bus, but I take the 73. I have had okay luck with the 77 (when I've taken it for non commute reasons) but I know people who have had bad experiences, especially in the middle of the day. During rush hour, I see them going through Harvard square pretty regularly, so it should be okay.

Re: Actually...

[mizarchivist]

fair enough.

It's rather nice to have that embarrassment of riches.

[aint-it-hard.livejournal.com]

Woah! Choices!