Having lived in the Boston area for just over two months now, I’ve realized that there are a few numbers good to keep handy in my contacts list for when I’m traveling around Boston:
> Cab Companies
I’ve realized that having the number of a few cab companies (I have three stored in my phone, all starting with “CAB” so they’re easy to find) is an indispensible tool for when I’m:
- running late to catch a train and the T won’t get me there in time
- coming home from the bar and the T has stopped running altogether
- getting in late from out-of-town trips
I recommend keeping three stored away, since you never know when someone is not going to pick up. It’s also much smarter to do your own research beforehand on competitive rates and exceptional service — there’s nothing quite like getting a scary, overpriced ride to North Station after taking a gamble on a cab company (take my word for it). Check out Yelp.com for some suggestions.
> Google 411
1-800-GOOG-411
After finding out about Goog411, I never turned back. 1-800-GOOG-411 is a great tool for when you’re wandering around trying to find that restaurant you heard such great things about. It works just like a regular 411 service except, ahem, IT’S FREE! Goog411 also incorporates some great features — it will tell you details (address, intersection) about the place, connect the call for you, and if you tell it to, it can also text the information to you, complete with a map link for web-enabled phones. They also have a text message tool (text inquiries to GOOGLE) with a much more expanded menu of options — movie times, stock quotes, word definitions… a great tool for when you’re trying to settle a debate on the go.
> MBTA
1-800-392-6100
I never would have thought to put this down, but the MBTA hotline is actually very useful. I was stuck somewhere waiting for a bus and didn’t have the schedule, so I figured I’d give the phone number a shot, thinking there might be some type of automated schedule menu available. What a surprise when I was connected with — GASP — a live person. Thinking I had been misdirected, I actually said, “Oh, I’m sorry, I was hoping I could get a schedule update.” The woman responded kindly, “Yes, I can help you with that!” So I told her exactly where I was, and she provided me with the next scheduled departure time. Way to go, MBTA!
