Yes, the NEC does tend to be more expensive, but there are still some excellent bargains out there for MR purposes. There's a nice mix of three and four segment trips available for cheap fares. Depending on the trip, they will net 300/400 (375/500 for Select & 450/600 for Select+). Here's a list I've put together with a maximum per ticket (segment) price of $10.00:

South End (includes south of WAS to NPN --- moving south to north)

1. NPN-RVR: NPN-WBG-RVM-RVR for $23 ($7.67 per ticket). RVR is a disconnect point (no same train multi-city bookable online) so can not book on to ASD for $28, unless you want to hang out in Richmond.
2. RVR-WDB/FRS: RVR-ASD-FBG-QAN-WDB/FRS for $27 ($6.75 per ticket). ASD-ALX via 3 stops is also $27.
3. FBG-ALX: FBG-QAN-WDB/FRS-ALX for $21 ($7 per ticket). Can also go into WAS for $29 ($7.25 per ticket), but ALX is a disconnect point.
4. WAS-BAL: WAS-NCR-BWI-BAL for $16 ($5.33 per ticket).
5. PHL-PJC: PHL-PHN-CWH-TRE-PJC for $30 ($7.50 per ticket). A nice short trip. Can do one less segment to TRE for $27 ($9 per ticket).
6. TRE-MET: TRE-PJC-NBK-MET for $27 ($9 per ticket).
7. PJC-NYP: PJC via a combo of NBK/MET/EWR/NWK to NYP for $33 ($8.25 per ticket).


North End

1. NWK-BRP: NWK-NYP-NRO-STM-BRP for $30 ($7.50 per ticket). Must compensate for NYP disconnect.
2. NYP-NHV: NYP-NRO-STM-BRP-NHV for $35 ($8.75 per ticket).
3. NLC-PVD: NLC-MYS-WLY-KIN-PVD for $19 ($4.75 per ticket). Can incorporate any of the Boston area stations into this routing for a much higher $32 or reduce to $29 by stopping/starting at MYS.


Of course, trains do not run via all these points all the time so you have to search through the schedule and I doubt this list is exhaustive. Enjoy!


Cheers.