Back Bay Station

On TRACK 5 AT BACK BAY STATION, you can't even hear yourself think, never mind your ringing cell phone or the station announcements. Just ask one of the five wandering souls that seem to be permanent fixtures down there. As you wait for the train, you'll be alternately lulled to sleep by the grim lighting and then terrorized by the turbulent rush of passing vehicles. The poor (or nonexistent) soundproofing of Back Bay Station is yet another on a long list of grievances frequently heard by the MBTA. Depending on where you're headed, opt for the walkable trip to Copley Station instead — you'll end up on the Green Line, but you'll save yourself a tour of Boston's angry, rumbling lower intestine.

•BACK BAY STATION | 145 Dartmouth Street, Boston | mbta.com