I can't speak for all zones, but Zone 2 is about on par and maybe even a little cheaper than what an equivalent LIRR or Metro North fare/monthly pass would cost. Also, I haven't ridden all MTA and MBTA commuter rail lines, but I have found that MBTA stations tend to at least have the platforms covered more often than the MTA does. There's a lot LIRR and Metro North stations where they have no cover on the platform at all. No argument on the average MBTA train being of crappier quality, though.
Maybe it works fine as an intercity rail system but as a commuter or regional rail system it's so bad.
The rolling stock is filthy and ancient
Some of the "stations" look more like bus stops
It's expensive
It's not electrified (even the routes on the northeast corridor)
It's slow spending most of it's time accelerating or decelerating
Maybe it's just my line/route to work that's so bad (reverse commuting) but I really hate it and it makes me miss Metro North
I can't speak for all zones, but Zone 2 is about on par and maybe even a little cheaper than what an equivalent LIRR or Metro North fare/monthly pass would cost. Also, I haven't ridden all MTA and MBTA commuter rail lines, but I have found that MBTA stations tend to at least have the platforms covered more often than the MTA does. There's a lot LIRR and Metro North stations where they have no cover on the platform at all. No argument on the average MBTA train being of crappier quality, though.