Tag Archives: Boston

Have you heard of Bridj?  Earlier this month The Boston Globe referred to it in their article as a first-of-its-kind “pop-up” bus service. Whatever you call it bridj is scheduled to begin trial runs in May with at least 4 nonstop commuter routes in Brookline, Boston, and Cambridge (see image below).  If successful, plans include adding up to 18 routes in the next three months to help commuters get around town.

Initial Bridj Routes

Bridj trips start at $5 – $8 so they are more expensive than MBTA but the fact that rides come equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, leather seats and complimentary snacks seems to appeal to the more than 3,200 who have signed up for the service. Matthew George, a 23-year old Middlebury College graduate and founder, says that by harnessing data available he can accurately predict areas of peak demand and adjust his schedules on the fly to meet demand.

 If you are intrigued you can learn more on their website, www.bridj.com, and like them on their Facebook page here.

Source: Uber
Click on image to enlarge

This week Uber released a map of Boston, showing high-traffic areas for their drivers and shedding insight into what the Boston Globe referred to as where Boston’s “young and affluent” live.  I’m not sure why they might assume it is only the young who use Uber but the map is interesting nonetheless.

Boston, neighborhoods like the Back Bay, the South End, and an increasingly gentrified South Boston are heavily represented as are campuses and high-traffic areas like Logan Airport and downtown.

Do you use Uber? Are you more partial to other similar services like Hailo or Lyft?  These new companies have been a boon to consumers and have completely disrupted the stranglehold that a few taxi companies have maintained through the antiquated medallion system I ranted about back in 2012 here, Boston needs more taxis.

Last week Thrillist compiled a list of things everyone needs to know about my hometown, Boston. A lot of these lists, while often humorous, miss the mark, but I’m giving Thrillist high marks for humor and accuracy.

Are you from the area or have you lived in Boston? Curious about visiting Boston? Check out this funny but true collection of 21 things you need to know about Boston.

Some of my personal favorites from the list include:
5. “Wicked pissah” means “really good” Accents aside, the local lexicon has lots of peppah. If you need a water fountain, ask for a bubbler (or bubblah). We also put jimmies (NOT sprinkles) on our ice cream, and buy booze at a packie. See my past posts explaining this here, here and here.

11. The cab situation is abysmal You won’t get one when you need one. You will be treated like a pariah if you call dispatch. You can’t hail a Boston cab in Cambridge, or a Cambridge cab in Boston (Dumbest. Thing. Ever.) My tip: load a car service app like uber or lyft to avoid those nasty taxi dispatchers.

17. The street system defies geometry and human logic It looks like the work of a 5yr-old using a broken Spirograph. Every street is one way in the opposite direction you need to go. Just walk and forget driving. My tip: walk, get a Charlie card (Boston’s metro card) or use the bike sharing program, Hubway. If those suggestions aren’t practical re-read my tip regarding cabs; do not rent a car you will regret it.

You can read the full list here.

Source: Dear World

Although I will not be home for the 118th Boston Marathon, like many people my thoughts will be with everyone attending, volunteering and especially running in tomorrow’s marathon.

I’ve always been proud of my home city but never more so than in the days that followed last year’s marathon. #BostonStrong

Just a few blocks from the South End in Roxbury (near the Ruggles T station) is Feldco Development’s, Tremont Crossing. The large mixed use development spans 8 acres near the Melnea Cass Blvd / Tremont Street intersection.

The project includes nearly 1 million square feet (SF); 438,275 SF of retail, 300 residential units, 200 hotel rooms, 233,784 SF of office space, 37,520 SF of museum space and 1,502 parking spaces.  I’m not sure when construction begins but this is a massive project.  The space has yet to secure a hotel but last week BJ’s Wholesale announced that they would lease 90,000 SF at Tremont Crossing. If the lease is signed BJs new store (and I believe the first in the city) would open in the spring of 2017. I’m curious to see who else might come to this development as it could make for a viable alternative to the overly congested South Bay shopping center.

More about Tremont Crossing here.

This decision tree from Jaquelyn Leahy was posted on curbed boston earlier this week and I thought it was brilliant. Much better than Boston.com’s neighborhood survey that I posted yesterday.  Moreover, this is fairly spot on – unfortunately it only includes the Boston’s downtown neighborhoods.

Here’s an awesome map of late-night T ridership this past weekend, including which stations handled thousands of riders.  If you are going out tonight or later this weekend don’t forget that the MBTA is now open until 3:00 AM so go out and have fun.

Last week The Boston Globe created a highly unscientific but still fun survey to take that then suggests the neighborhood best suited to your personality.  Surprisingly, I got Beacon Hill.  I had thought I might be more likely to get the Leather District, Fort Point Channel or Seaport (if not my actual n’hood – The South End). While I do like Beacon Hill, I’m not inclined to spend time on the Boston Common or dine on Charles Street, as the response suggests.  Bored at work? Give the survey a try.

Boston is a beautiful city that is rich in history and culture and has a lot to offer.  Above is a photograph of my neighborhood, South End, from last spring looking down West Springfield Street with the Christian Science Church dome off in the distance in Back Bay.

The Steven Cohen Team, a South End Real Estate Specialist, recently shared their annual report and I found some of the information  eye-opening.  It made me feel for new residents or wanna-be residents who are doing their best to try and save to buy a place here in Boston.

Source: http://www.linksmart.co, CNBC, 2012 data.

You may click on the chart to enlarge and read it better. I have to admit I was surprised to read that my neighborhood, South End, median price per square foot is $710 (fourth most expensive neighborhood in Boston). The most expensive neighborhood according to linksmart is Midtown $880; followed by Back Bay $836; Beacon Hill $795; and The Waterfront rounded out the top 5 at $708.

With median condo prices in the South End at $650,000, a 20% down payment check would be $130,000. Anyone who doesn’t think that is an issue falls into the category of “very fortunate”.  How can Boston work to ensure that those who have invested in property don’t lose value in their homes while working to help make this city more affordable and more welcoming for everyone; not only those who command 6-figure salaries?