The Cost of a Trip Between Brookline and Arlington
The cost of a trip between Brookline and Arlington will depend on several factors, including the mode of transportation, the distance, and the current gas prices. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We will also recommend the best route and provide a conclusion paragraph with details about the trip route and duration.
Possible Routes
There are three main routes for people traveling from Brookline to Arlington, and they are listed below:
- Route 2: This route is commonly used by people driving from Brookline to Arlington. Drivers take Commonwealth Avenue until they reach Storrow Drive, then get on Route 2 Eastbound. The total distance of this route is 10 miles.
- Route 16: This is another popular route for drivers going from Brookline to Arlington. Drivers take Washington Street, then turn onto Route 16 West. The total distance of this route is 9.5 miles.
- Public Transportation: There are several public transportation options for people traveling between Brookline and Arlington. The most common option is taking the MBTA Green Line to Park Street Station, and then taking the MBTA Red Line to Alewife Station. From there, take the MBTA 67 Bus to Arlington. The total distance of this route is 12 miles.
Cost of Each Route
The cost of each route varies depending on the mode of transportation used, as outlined below:
Route 2
The cost of this route when driving your own car can be calculated by using the current average gas prices per gallon and the total distance of the route. According to GasBuddy, the average gas prices in Massachusetts are currently $3.00 per gallon. Assuming a car's average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, a trip from Brookline to Arlington using Route 2 would require 0.4 gallons of gas. This would result in a cost of $1.20 for gas alone.
Route 16
Like for Route 2, the cost using your own car depends on the current average gas prices in Massachusetts. A trip from Brookline to Arlington using Route 16 covers a total distance of 9.5 miles. Following the assumption of a car's average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, this trip will require 0.38 gallons of gasoline, resulting in a cost estimate of $1.14 for gas alone.
Public Transportation
Taking public transportation is an alternative for people who do not have access to cars or would like to save money for fuel and parking. The cost of MBTA transportation is determined by the distance traveled and the mode of transportation used. The following are the costs of the different MBTA services:
- The cost of a one-way subway trip is $2.40.
- The cost of a one-way bus trip depends on the route. The cost for the 67 bus, which travels between Alewife Station and Arlington Center, is $1.70.
Therefore, the cost of using public transportation to travel from Brookline to Arlington on the MBTA would be approximately $4.80 for a one-way trip with one transfer.
Recommendation
While the different available routes offer varying costs, the recommended route from Brookline to Arlington is Route 2. Although it is slightly longer than Route 16, the cost of gas is only a minimal difference and using a personal vehicle provides flexibility and time efficiency. On the other hand, public transportation is also a great alternative since it reduces the stress of driving while saving a considerable amount of money.
Conclusion
The cost of traveling from Brookline to Arlington depends on the mode of transportation used. Driving a car offers the most flexibility and accessibility since it is not affected by MBTA schedules, but gas prices and traffic can affect the cost and duration of the trip. Public transportation offers affordability, with the cost only being dependent on the fare for the routes used. With Route 2 as the recommended route, individuals can expect to travel a distance of 10 miles, pay $1.20 for gas, and experience pleasant scenery and minor traffic. By taking public transportation, the distance covered is up to 12 miles, but the cost is usually $4.80 for a one-way trip, not including any possible transfer delays.