Editing Boston (section)

===Getting Around Boston===
[[File:Boston_Mbta_map1.png|85px|thumb|left|MBTA ("T") Transit Map]] 

Unlike many newer U.S. cities, many of Boston's roads were not planned as a grid. Instead, many claim that the city's modern roads are simply the paved cow paths of colonial-era Boston. Add to the fact that one of the world's largest public works project, [[:wikipedia:Big_Dig_(Boston,_Massachusetts)|The Big Dig]], changed both major and minor roads on a daily basis for over a decade. Despite this attempt to simplify the major roads into and through Boston, driving and parking in the city can be extremely difficult. If you don't believe it, just look at these map examples for proof: [http://tinyurl.com/bad-boston-roads 1], [http://tinyurl.com/bad-boston-roads2 2], [http://tinyurl.com/bad-boston-roads3 3], [http://tinyurl.com/bad-boston-roads4 4]. Boston area car drivers [http://www.boston-online.com/bosdrivers.html have a reputation of driving terribly]. Metered parking spots, garages, and lots are expensive and hard to find. The city does not consistently post street signs or directions, which often unsurprisingly even confuses the locals. Driving is not recommended for travelers without a GPS (satnav) navigation device. Even these devices can become confused by duplicated street names in different historical neighborhoods of the city. Furthermore, finding a decent parking spot is challenging, as rules for parking can be be different on different parts of the same street. Car-park lots and garages are typically very expensive. If you must, park at one of the lots at the end of the subway line stations, such as Riverside, Alewife, or Oak Grove, and then get on the public transit. '''Don't drive a car in Boston unless you absolutely have to, as having a car is expensive, stressful, and confusing to deal with as a visitor.''' Your best bet for finding safe, somewhat cheap parking, is to use the '''[http://boston.bestparking.com/index.php Boston Best Parking Tool]'''.

[[image:MBTA.jpg|40px|thumb|left]] The good news is that Boston boasts a decent (locals may disagree) network of public transportation, and many sights are walkable in good weather. Buses, boats, trains and taxis are readily available in most of the greater Boston area. This network is run by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA). In Boston, this is most commonly abbreviated to the "T" in reference to the logo, which is a circled letter T. For fares, schedules, maps and more visit the [http://www.mbta.com MBTA website]. '''Please note: The T shuts down at approximately midnight, and starts again around 6am.''' Most nightlife venues close their doors by 1 or 2am, so you may need to walk or take a taxi home if you choose to stay beyond the last train.