Commuting into and out of Dorchester (Bus,train) (Brookline, Dudley: live in, buses)

[FreeSpirited]

I currently live in Brighton, and work in Brookline. I've been interested in getting into some inner-city volunteer work, and have found an opportunity in Dorchester near franklin field at the Sportsmen's tennis club. I'm curious to know how safe the bus/train routes are that frequent the area. From the small amt. of research I've done, it appears that the quickest ways to get there from the Brookline area would be to take the green line to Park St., the red line to ashmont station, and then the 22 to blue hill have. I've also turned up some alternative routes involving the orange line and 28. Anyone had experience with these lines and could give me a feel for the general safety of taking these routes, and the safety of the stations along these routes in the evenings?

Thanks in advance!

[Urban Peasant]

I live in Dorchester and have taken buses like the 22, 23, and 28 at all hours of the day for over 12 years now. I have never been bothered with and usually mind my own business on the bus. That said, I have never gotten on or off of any of those routes between Codman Square and Ruggles in the evening, I only ride all the way to Ashmont Station so I don't know how safe it is while on the street.

I would look into bus route 66 that runs from Allston and connects with the 22 at Roxbury Crossing Station and 28 at Dudley Station. I would also look at the 8 and 8a that leave from Kenmore to Ruggles where you can catch the 22 or 28. They might or might not be faster than rapid transit. The Red Line is not as fast as you think during off peak hours.

[FreeSpirited]

Thanks a lot. The MBTA trip planner is virtually useless when trying to find the quickest routes. Anyone with some evening street experience along these routes?