rucash

I need to commute to NYC from Eastern Pennsylvania (right off of I-78). I have been trying several different options but I am getting frustrated. Ideally I want to drive somewhere into NJ and then take a train into the city. It is extremely difficult to find an economical place to park. Any suggestions? Thanks.

mclaurie

I have no idea where I 78 runs but Metro Park in Iselin, NJ is a popular spot to park and ride the train. There may be other Metropark locations that are more convenient. If you could provide a starting place, people might be better able to help.

vjpblovesitaly

White House Station in NJ might be convenient, but I don't know what the parking situation is there

hamlet

I78 runs right into Newark.

Are you commuting during rush hour to and from?

Does it have to be the train or would you take a bus?

Ryan

I'm sure everyone means well, but unless they commute from that direction, their advice doesn't help you.

I assume your driving issue is related to construction on 78 near where it intersects with the Parkway. They did major work on that road 18 months ago and are now ripping up the rest and adding a new overpass for the parkway. It will be that way for at least the next year.

You have a few options other than driving.

The first would be to drive to a place that connects with the NJ Transit Morris & Essex Line Gladstone train. Just be aware, from the furthest point - Gladstone - it is 90 minutes to Penn Station on a train that has limited stops after Summit. If you were to drive to the train and park, realistically you'd want something within 5 minutes of an exit on and off 78.

The station at Gillette probably offers the best access. If you caught a train in Gillette at say 6:58 a.m., you're at Penn Station at 7:51.

But, I believe it's about an hour from Gillette to Easton, Pa. Between the train and driving, you're talking 2 1/2 hours each way. That makes for a really long trip.

Cost wise a monthly R/T train pass is around $310, parking could could around $300 for the year. I believe Gillette has parking but as I don't live in that town, only going by what I see when I drive past.

If you were to take a bus, it looks like the Transbridge line runs service from parts of Eastern, Pa (off 78) to the Port Authority terminal. Looks to be about a 2 hour trip, though longer the later you leave.

http://www.transbridgelines.com/sched_ny.htm

Here is a list of NJ Transit Park & Ride locations. For the trains, you would have to contact the local municipalities.

http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servl...tionParkRideTo

Though it could be expensive, other option would be to see what Amtrak options are.

I have a few colleagues that live out pretty far in NJ and in the case of one of our tech guys, in Penn. They have the flexibility to come in early (before 6) and they leave around 2. If your schedule is more 9 to 5, then realistically it isn't a case of a good option but a less bad option.

ellenem

I've taken the Transbridge bus to Clinton NJ. There is a small bus station and park-and-ride lot. The ride from Clinton to Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown NYC is about an hour. There are other park-and-rides lots along the route as well.

njlorelei

The closest train line is probably the Rariton Valley line, maybe Annadale, NJ? http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/R0060.pdf I have no idea what the parking situation is like there.

My husband has taken the bus from the William Penn Highway lot (Park and Ride off of Route 33) near Easton, PA. I don't remember what the parking was there though either.

barron81

Check out Hackettstown - it's a long ride to NY but it's probably the closest station to where you live.