More Boston planning & request for information

[baratron]

People who live in or know Boston well - is there a good app for figuring out public transport routes for Android? I can't get the official website route-o-matic to work on my phone. There doesn't seem to be a mobile version of the website like there is for Transport for London, and the Apps page quite honestly lists about 20 apps for various phone OSes, none of them officially endorsed by MBTA!

I need something that will work on the move since no amount of prior planning helps if something totally unexpected happens. It must also recognise and use the "accessible" flag, ideally on the front page like the official website's journey planner. (TfL's mobile edition hides this on a second page under "Advanced options" AND never remembers that I need it set. I get really sick of looking up routes and realising they won't work due to stairs, and having to go back and change the options).

I've booked my flights to arrive at lunchtime on Thursday 26th and fly out mid-afternoon on Sunday 29th - this is so I get home in time to sleep for a few hours, then get to College. I *may* be being wildly optimistic here, but less so than if I assumed I'd be able to sleep on the plane, since that rarely happens.

Posted via LiveJournal app for Android.

Comments

[bitty.livejournal.com]

I have yet to find a decent (free) Android app. bubblebabble says the google maps transit option is pretty decent.

(I usually just text him directly and he tells me what I need to know. Smarter than the smart phone.)

Do you know any routes in particular yet you will need?

[baratron.livejournal.com]

Well, first of all, I'm trying to decide whether to get a hotel room for all three nights, or just for Friday & Saturday when I'll have Ryan & Dawn with me too. The offer of staying with you is much appreciated, but I have no idea how to get the weighing-a-ton (56 kg - don't know what that is in pounds) -and-needing-charging electric wheelchair into your house - I seem to remember a whole load of stairs to get in. It can be taken apart, but it still has two effing great car batteries of 18 kg each to be lugged. I'm also not sure what your work commitments are. I'll be getting to the airport at 1.30 pm, then it'll take half an hour to clear customs and GOD KNOWS HOW LONG to get my baggage and reclaim my own wheelchair. If you're working outside of the house until 5pm or later, then it might well be easier for me to simply get a hotel room where I can dump my stuff and then meet up with you later.

I'm also contemplating whether I can possibly do the trip with suitcase by myself. I'm thinking probably not - if it was a case of getting myself from the airport to a train and then sitting on it, it'd be easy, but there seem to be too many changes. I'll have to have a go at driving myself + filled suitcase down the road and seeing how possible it is.

So obviously what routes I need depends on where exactly I'm staying, and going, on each of the days ;) I was hoping to get to Allston to pick up the rings on the first day, so I had them with me for people to admire whenever I meet them. This would also ensure that eating of vegan pizza can happen on multiple occasions :D

It might be easier to discuss some of this by email. Mine is baratrongirl at Gmail. I would also like to exchange phone numbers - with any luck, the SIM card I bought in Florida in October is still valid, so although it'll be a long-distance call, at least it isn't international. I'll have a go at topping it up from here via credit card before I leave.

[bitty.livejournal.com]

we'll switch to email - BB has some thoughts. but the first one is that the green line is still only partially accessible. so be very very careful when planning anything in allston.

i work right next to south station, so could possibly meet you when you get out of the airport. getting you into our place thursday is doable. getting you out in the morning is more complicated because we do need to leave for work. (although i've been meaning to advocate for a weekly work-from-home day, so that could be a possibility. then i'd be available to help, and possibly drive a little bit. i may be one block from the train station, but it's not the best way to allston from here.)

[baratron.livejournal.com]

If you have emailed me, I haven't got it - note my address is baratronGIRL at Gmail, not just baratron!

(Someone else stole baratron, and I don't know who. My suspicion is the company who make the MKS Baratron (R), but I don't know this for certain).

[treacle-well.livejournal.com]

Wish I could help, but the app I use is for iPhone/iPod Touch.

BTW, might be available for getting together while your in the area, and would be happy to join you for Peace O' Pie pizza. BTW, there's a new vegetarian/vegan diner-style restaurant in Cambridge that I've heard good things about, but haven't eaten at yet. Veggie Galaxy at 450 Mass Ave in Cambridge (Central Square).

[baratron.livejournal.com]

That *does* sound good.

I believe I have your email address from your changing-name announcement, but it would be as well for you to send another one just to make sure :) baratrongirl at Gmail.