Seeking data
So you've done everything you were supposed to do: rearranged appointments, changed your work schedule to travel at off-hours, left your bike at home instead of taking it on the T. But you're still having problems. There are a few places to turn in such cases, whether you want to get more information, register a complaint, or just plain vent.
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino has set up an information line at 617-635-2004 , which will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Operators there can answer questions about city services, transportation detours and schedules, and events happening around the city. If they don't have the answer, staffers promise to track down someone who does.
For problems after 5 p.m., another option is the convention hot line set up by Boston City Councilor Paul Scapicchio, 617-635-3200, which will be staffed until midnight during the week of the convention. He said his staffers will be prepared to help resolve complaints or connect callers with information.
"Websites and information in brochures are fine," Scapicchio said. "But I think for the most part people like to hear a human voice, and that's what they'll get when they call our line."
If you want to access up-to-the-minute traffic reports, call SmarTraveler at 617-374-1234 , or by dialing *1 from most cellular telephones. Use the same number to report traffic problems. Phone complaints about state highways other than the turnpike or the Big Dig to the Massachusetts Highway Department at 617-973-7800 during normal business hours. Reach the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, which governs the downtown Big Dig tunnels and the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, at 617-877-MASSPIKE, also during normal business hours.
For information about MBTA routes and changes, call 1-800-392-6100 or 617-222-3200 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. If you have a specific beef about T service, call 617-222-5215.
To report security issues, such as unattended packages or suspicious people, call 911, the Boston Police Department advises. For nonemergencies, call Boston police at 617-343-4200.
More information
To plan a route on the T:
Call (800) 392-6100 or (617) 222- 3200 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.www.mbta.com
To get traffic reports and alternative routes:
Call SmarTraveler at (617) 374-1234 or dial *1 from most cellphones www.smartroutes.com
To find out about convention events:
www.boston04.com
To get information about city services and closings:
(617) 635-2004. From 5 p.m. to midnight, call (617) 635-3200
To report a crime or security problem:
For emergencies, call 911. For nonemergencies, call (617) 343-4200
To complain:
Massachusetts Highway Department (617) 973-7800
MBTA Complaint Line (617) 222-5215
Massachusetts Turnpike Authority: (877)-MASSPIKE