Commute analysis

[magid]

I've got
three options for getting to an office near the Brandeis-Roberts
commuter rail station.

car

• time a bit less than half an hour each way at peak
  hours if I take the Pike (more if I take local roads)
  
• cost $5 in tolls (though if I have time, I can cut this in
  half by using the west Newton exit instead of the Rte. 128 exit), plus
  gas and other car expenses, which at the IRS reimbursable rate of
  $.55/mile is about $11
  
• (dis)/advantages flexibility in timing, the possibility of
  getting errands done on the way to/from work (most often, stopping at
  the Butcherie or Russo's), covered parking during weather events (if
  I'm early enough), plus the possibility of going elsewhere after work
  without going home first

train

• time actual train time, 17 minutes each way (if it's
  running on schedule), plus a mile and a half walk (have to
  overestimate at 30 minutes, to have a cushion for making the train)
  
• cost $9.50 round trip, except that sometimes the conductor
  doesn't punch the 12-ride pass (so far, I've gotten 2 frees on 12
  rides; no clue how representative this is)
  
• (dis)/advantages 3 miles walking, plus time to read on the
  train, as well as the option of getting downtown efficiently (not that
  I've yet done this), balanced out by a much longer day, because the
  first train I can take after work is 5:40 P.M., which
  can be exhausting

bicycle

• time about 45-55 minutes in transit, plus 20 minutes
  for locking the bike, retrieving shower things, showering and changing
  
• cost free!
  
• (dis)/advantages 19 miles biking, plus being on my own
  schedule. However, this option requires a functional shower at work
  (it's supposed to be available again next week), and road conditions
  I'm comfortable biking in (not precipitating, not icy, etc), plus good
  planning (it's much easier if I have work clothes and lunch already
  waiting for me, since everything is carried on my back
  currently).

The train would be cheaper/ride if I got a month pass, but given the
timing and lack of flexibility, I'm unlikely to use it enough of the
time to make that a good option (plus there's that occasional free
ride). I know it's a bit wimpy, but I'm not quite ready to bike in
current conditions, though if things melt as looks likely for the
weekend, perhaps next week it will look more feasible.

Comments

[goldsquare.livejournal.com]

Pike tolls are tax deductible in some ways (not that many people know this or use it). An EZ Pass or Fastpass might cut the commute time down.

Brandeis may have ride-sharing programs that are worth considering.

[magid.livejournal.com]

I have an EZ Pass already; if my current job had any flexibility on time, it would be a faster drive, but I'm somewhat unwilling to go in noticeably early just to have a faster commute.

I hadn't thought about ride-shares. Thanks.

[(Anonymous)]

Carpool?

[magid.livejournal.com]

Possible, if I find someone with the same schedule. I should check GoLoCo, I suppose.