Exciting news for public transportation lovers (we know you're out there): a new app from Cubic will soon let you plan out and actually buy tickets on your phone for local forms of Boston transit.
Think digital Charlie cards, commuter rail tickets, and integration with bikesharing. You’ll also be able to see real-time departures and save your favorite lines and stops.
But even with this new addition, you’ll still probably need multiple apps for your commute. Here are a few to make your trip just a tad more bearable. We’re assuming you probably already know about the Google Maps and Starbucks apps, so we’ve selected options that you might not have considered to make your life easier. Walk, bike, scooter, Segway: whatever commute you have, there’s something here for you.
If You’re Taking Public Transportation
The only public transportation app supported by the MBTA is Transit (iOS, Android). The app integrates features that you might already use on other apps like Google Maps and NextBus. You can see maps and schedules or plan a future trip, or if you need an option now, you can see every available option within walking distance. Uber and bikesharing are integrated, too.
CityMapper (iOS, Android) provides similar services, but it’s more fun. The “Waze for mass transit,” CityMapper helps you get where you’re going as quickly as possible, integrating strikes, delays, accidents, and other issues. With walking, biking, and Uber options built in, the app will even steer you towards a healthy and calorie-burning option.
If you’re looking for an amenity, not to worry. The City of Boston created an interactive public restroom map, and SitorSquat (iOS, Android) offers options too. Hopefully you never need it, but FindERNow (iOS, Android) will show you the nearest local emergency room.
If You’re Trying to Find a Shuttle
Boston has a ton of free or discounted shuttles. The TransLoc Rider app (iOS, Android) will help you find many of them. You can choose up to 10 shuttle systems, including Harvard, MIT, Partners Healthcare (and all its affiliated hospitals), Children’s Hospital, MASCO, Boston University, and Boston College, and you’ll get real-time departure times and pickup locations. Make sure you do your homework, because some buses require you to show an employer or student ID. Rider also integrates with Uber.
The EZRide Shuttle is a high-frequency bus route that runs to North Station, Lechmere and Kendall Square and connects commuters throughout Cambridge. Lots of companies partner with EZRide for free service, otherwise it’s about the same price as public transportation. NextBus (iOS, Android) is the only app that will show you the EZRide schedule. Fun fact: the EZRide website and social media also post when there are potential vanpool opportunities you might be able to join.
If You’re Driving
Boston has some of the worst traffic in the nation—but you knew that already. If you want to avoid delays, there’s still nothing better than Waze (iOS, Android). Besides the crowdsourcing function that gives updates and delays in real time, Waze also lets you know about road closures from events, like parades and graduations, and construction, like the Comm Ave Bridge closure. New updates let you see where you parked and get roadside help from other Wazers.
If you’re prone to texting and driving or otherwise fiddling with your phone, try Android Auto or CarPlay on the iPhone to integrate your phone with your car display. They’re compatible with different apps that you can access through voice actions like Waze, Pandora, and calls/messages, so you don’t have to drive distracted.
Need to find gas nearby? GasBuddy (iOS, Android) will let you price-shop for different gas stations and show you amenities at each one. iExit (iOS, Android) provides a list of rest stops off the highway with available services. Expensing car trips? MileIQ (iOS, Android) automatically logs your trips and lets you categorize them so you can get the details easily. Plowing out your car? Not right now you’re not, but eventually you’ll want to make use of Yeti (iOS) to hire someone to do it for you. Local parking app SPOT may also offer a special promotion like it did in 2016. Want to make your phone a dashcam? Sure! Try Autoguard (Android) or Smart Dash Cam (iOS). Not an app, but it’ll integrate with whatever calendar you use: download the Red Sox schedule so you’ll know when to avoid the Fenway area.
If You Need to Park
Did you know that Boston just imposed higher parking fines? Now it’s really, really important to find the right option at the least terrible price. Parking apps are a dime a dozen in this city, but unfortunately there isn’t one that does everything. The closest one is ParkMobile (iOS, Android), where you can pay for on-street parking, find lots, and even snag parking during busy events. Park Boston (iOS, Android) is a good option for quickly paying for street parking. BestParking (iOS, Android) lets you compare rates between street parking and garage options. SpotHero (iOS, Android) can get you a spot in a lot for a discounted rate.
The coolest option is SPOT (iOS), which lets you rent out a private spot that’s available—think of it like the Airbnb for parking. You can rent out a spot for an hour or two, or for long-term use if it’s available. SPOT launched in December 2014 and has been expanding to other cities like D.C. and Los Angeles.
