Commute From New Bedford to Boston (Weymouth, Stoughton: living, bus, rail)

[Charles Wallace]

How nasty is the commute from New Bedford to Boston? Is that doable on a daily basis, or is it a traffic nightmare?

[lrfox]

Lots of people do it daily. It's right around an hour commute (give or take depending on traffic) each way. Traffic tough is right around Boston during the peak rush hours (8-10am and about 3:30- 6pm). If you're looking at a map, it's worst along I-93- "The S.E. Expressway" and Route 128. The top of Route 24 from Stoughton to 128 gets backed up at peak times occasionally too. The same segments are rough on the return commute. Route 140 and most of Route 24 are pretty clear and 195 in New Bedford moves pretty swiftly as does 18 in New Bedford. The Southcoast (the name for the region around New Bedford) moves along pretty easily during all hours of the day.

Now, how "doable" it is depends on what you're willing to do for a commute. Like I said, many people do it daily. It is about an hour each way (2 round trip). It's only a traffic nightmare nearest to Boston so living closer to the city won't eliminate that, but it will make it so you have to drive less before and after the traffic. Personally, it's a LITTLE too far to be appealing to me. New Bedford is in the process of getting commuter rail service to Boston which will be a LOT easier for commuters. But right now, you're limited to the bus or the car.

[Charles Wallace]

Thanks -- I appreciate the insider's perspective!

[Daley7264]

I think a straight commute to Boston from NB during normal commuting hours would be horrible. The possibilities of traffic delays everyday at some point along your route are to be expected. Where you are in NB will of course dictate your best route, but no matter what it will be alot of long highway rides,all with traffic. Another option is driving to lakeville and taking the commuter rail from there. Something to consider if you have no choice.

[bgrasser]

If your traveling during rush hour you can put the hour each way right out of your head.......when I was workin' in downtown Boston, it would take me an hour from N. Weymouth.