Four of us are planning a trip to Fenway Park in Boston. The closest hotel we would get is in Dedham & it's suggested we take the subway to Fenway Park because of lack of parking near the park.What are the subways like at night? Are they safe? Would we be better off taking a Taxi? Pleae e-mail me at [email protected]. Thank you.

Dedham is FAR AWAY for getting to Fenway Park by public transportation. A taxi would be VERY expensive. There is a train station in nearby Norwood which will take you to South Station. From there you can take the subway to Fenway Park. The trains run infrequently at night and not very late. Would strongly recommend you try again for lodging in Boston. There's a Howard Johnson's on the Fenway. Or, try the Mid-town Hotel. Or, try www.180096hotel.com (or give them a call).

My experience with Boston subways has been great. Very convenient. Don't know eactly where your hotel is, but we used to drive in to Lowell, train in to N. Station and take the subway from there. Goes right to Fenway. Almost as good and convenient as the London tube. Have a great time. I hope to see Fenway again before they tear it down.

Ida: I felt very safe using the "T" when I was there three years ago. I bought a three-day pass that allowed unlimited travel on the subways and buses, and I used it every day. One night I took the subway to Symphony Hall to see the Boston Pops, and after the concert, one was parked there waiting for orchestra patrons. I stayed at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, and the "T" was just a block away. Buy your "T" pass near Boston Common.

The subways are afe in general, and after a game are probably more so, simply because there are so many people there. If you are coming form Dedham, though, most of your trip will be on the commuter rail. They typically run once an hour, but after games, they run extra subway cars, so maybe they throw in an additional commuter train too, but I doubt it. If you do take the subway, get off at the Kenmore stop, not the Fenway stop. It'll make you wald a couple of hundred feet more, but the crowds will be much smaller, increasing your odds of getting on one of the first few trains to come through, and/or get a seat. Check out www.mbta.com for info.

A cab will be very expensive, and parking shouldn't be too bad if you go to a garage early in the day. It'll be crowded driving home though.

I tried posting this yesterday, but it didn't show up, so I appologize if there are 2 of these flotaing around somewhere.