How does the train/subway system work in Boston?|125070

I_m new to Boston and not really sure how the train system works. Can someone please explain what people mean when they say _red line, orange line, green line and blue line_? Also, if I were to commute to Boston everyday, what would be the cheapest option for me? I mean is there a monthly pass that I could purchase? Thank you in advance for your replies.

There are monthly passes available and for frequent riders the cheaper option. The different lines are color coded, with _purple_ being the commuter rail system that connects some outlying towns to Boston. Your best bet to start familiarizing yourself with _what goes where_ would be to examine this map:
http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/s��
All the lines interconnect at different places so you may ride more than one or a combination of bus, subway and/or trolley (light-rail). The Green Line is a trolley or light-rail line. Blue, Orange and Red lines are heavy-rail _subway_ type vehicles (with the exception of a short portion of the Red Line from Ashmont to Mattapan that is a trolley line using _heritage_ PCC trolleys). The Silver Line is _Bus Rapid Transit_ (although it_s design doesn_t allow it to be as rapid as it should be, but I digress...).

In general, Red line tends to be Southeasterly to Northwesterly. Blue line is downtown/northeasterly. Orange line tends to be north/south, and the Green line tends to be downtown/westerly. Commuter rail is a subject unto itself.

Just some _for instances_ Fenway Park = Green Line. Harvard University = Red Line, Logan Airport = Blue Line or Silver Line. TD Bank Garden = Green, Orange, or _North side_ commuter rail.

Beware of the _T__s website _trip planner_. It can come up with some really bizarre routings sometimes!

Red line goes south of the city
Orange goes North to South from Malden to South of the city
Blue connects the airport, waterfront and ends in Revere along the shore.
Green Line has separate lines A-E that split off the green line goes through back bay and towards roxbury others like the B-line go to BC which is west in Chesnut Hill.
Purple line connects all other points as far west as worcester, north as gloucester, and south as the cape.

Passes start at $59/ month but i think that doesn_t include the purple which is the commuter rail. Individual rides are 1.70 and will probaply go up it is around 5 for the commuter rail depending on the zone

Neither of the two previous Answerers tell you that there are also the Purple Lines, which is the commuter rail system. It is the 4th most extensive in the USA after N.Y.C., Chicago and Philly. And of course there is also the bus system. You can get a pass for only the bus system, or the bus and subway plus the silver line; any Purple Line pass allows you to ride the buses and subways also. .

I used to live in Boston.. so, here goes..

Red Line.. goes pretty much everywhere... and Fenway park... and fanuel hall... places like that...
Blue Line... aquarium and some places near the harbor
Green line.. science museum and that part of the city... its the oldest line...
orange line.. dunno where that one goes, never had to ride it...
and the purple is the commuter rail that runs to different cities..

basically.. the colors just make it easier to get where you want to go.. if u have a general idea

there are maps EVERYWHERE! It_s pretty hard to get lost... and people are more than happy to help you..

You can purchase monthly passes... that all gets sort of confusing.. the cheapest way to commute would probably be the commuter rail... Im not sure though, because it depends on where you are commuting from...

Hope I could help a little!

Well, the _lines_ are different subway routes
Red: longest line. services Cambridge and South Boston, as well as downtown
Green: services Boston areas on the Charles River, but extends 20 miles West of Boston
Blue: services airport and surrounding areas, East of Boston, but enters the city and ends downtown.
Orange: services areas NE of Boston, north end, downtown/chinatown, Roxbury.

agreed with the above answers but nobodys mentioned the silver line... i think it goes around the airport but i dont have to use that one much. Basically find a T station, the ones that say INBOUND go towards boston, the ones that say OUTBOUND go out... look at the maps in the station and if you dont have to make a transfer look for the last stop on that train and board the train that says to (whatever stop it was). If you need any help just ask anybody and im sure theyd be happy to help!! good luck in boston