r/commuting

I live with my parents in the Hackensack/Lodi area right now and commute into Manhattan on the NJ Transit 163 local bus. On paper it sounds fine, but in reality it takes 1 hr 15 min to 1 hr 30 min depending on traffic. It’s a one-seat ride and I’m one of the first stops so I always get a seat, which is nice but the length is starting to get to me. I’m thinking about moving out, but I’m trying to be realistic. I don’t want to pay way more rent just to save like 10–15 minutes.

So I guess my question is:
Is there actually anywhere in NJ where the commute into Manhattan is consistently under an hour and not miserable?

Or is this just… what everyone deals with?
I’m open to anywhere in Jersey (not just Bergen County). I’ve heard people mention Hoboken/Jersey City (PATH), Secaucus (train), Fort Lee (express bus), etc. but I don’t know what’s actually a noticeable improvement vs just different.

Would especially love to hear from people who moved and saw a real difference in their commute. Trying to figure out if I’m being dramatic or if this commute actually sucks.

Edit: I work in the Upper East Side, specifically Lenox Hill. My commute is super quick once I get to 42nd (Port Authority). I hop on the Q train for 2 stops.

Not sure if this is a car buying question or a financial advice question but I have an hour+ commute 3 days a week. I currently drive a minivan and get about 21 mpg. I’m thinking about buying a used Lexus es 300h for around $30k (cash). I’d be getting double the gas mileage and a smoother more enjoyable ride. But we need to keep the minivan for family trips (we have a giant dog that travels with us so the minivan is essential). Is it dumb to buy a 2nd car just for a commute though? Or should I just do it if it makes me happy and say eff the money? I love getting strangers opinions so hit me with it.

is driving to school by car better or taking the transit?
i’m tryna make myself feel better cuz my dad keeps telling me that i’m gon needa take the transit cuz they ain’t letting me drive but my fuckass brother got a 90k car when he turned 18 n he drives EVERYWHERE and im 18, bouta go to uni soon, and i have my g2 but i can’t even touch the car. i think theyre js sexist and weird 🫩 i’m gonna crash out

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