Commute - Brentwood to Downtown - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

XRiteMA98 · 03-15-2012, 01:30 PM

I'd go with the T also. Bus is crowded, driving a headache. And this way you could still start @ 9am.

shlewis · 03-15-2012, 01:46 PM

I was thinking if I started earlier I might be able to avoid some of the congestion when I have to hop down Cape May to 51 to 88. Also, I'd probably have a better chance at getting a spot at Memorial Hall!

Melanie_pa: Does your husband pay monthly at Memorial Hall? Do you know how crowded it gets? (Thanks for the neighborly welcome!)

I'd really rather not drive into town, I used to commute to a jobsite for 2 hours each way... never again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by melanie_pa

Welcome to the neighborhood! We also live near Brownsville Road in Brentwood. My husband works in the K&L Gates building downtown. He drives to the Memorial Hall T station and takes the T to work. Since it is only 4 minutes less than taking the bus, I think it is worth it. The T isn't as affected by weather and accidents as the bus. He takes our children to day care in the AM so I can't give you a great commute time for that, but in the evening, he leaves his desk at 4:55 and walks in our front door at 5:30/5:35 ish. I do think his AM commute isn't as efficient as that. My mom also works downtown and when she stays with me, she prefers the T to the bus. If you plan to drive downtown, try taking Brownsville Rd to Becks Run Road, making a left onto Carson, crossing the Hot Metal Bridge, then taking 2nd Avenue toward town. Another option would be Streets Run Road to Glenwood Bridge to 2nd Avenue. Good luck to you!

melanie_pa · 03-16-2012, 06:50 AM

I talked to my husband about his commuting details. He actually went straight to work a few days this week without dropping the kids off at daycare first. He swears he left our house at 7:45, drove to the T, etc. and got to his desk at 8:15. He pays $60 a month for a parking pass at Memorial Hall. Otherwise, it is $3/day. A pass guarantees you a spot until 8:30 am. That is the same time he said that the parking lot gets full. There is a free park and ride at Willow but that fills up earlier. There is another park and ride at St. Anne's that may be free. I am not sure when that lot fills up.

shlewis · 03-16-2012, 08:06 AM

Thank you! You're a life saver. It's good to know I won't have to change THAT much from what I currently do. $60 for parking is a steal IMHO - especially since my bus pass is already paid for pre-tax. I'll have to stop up there and pick one up the day I close on my house

Thanks for all your help!

steindle · 03-16-2012, 12:22 PM

It looks like you've got this under control, but I would note that the 51L ("Carrick Limited") comes 6 times between 6:30 and 8 AM and is a lot quicker than the regular 51. The T is relatively quick and painless, but the concept of driving in order to take public transit has always been unappealing to me, personally.

XRiteMA98 · 03-16-2012, 12:23 PM

It is a steal. I'm considering this route too.

shlewis · 03-16-2012, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steindle

It looks like you've got this under control, but I would note that the 51L ("Carrick Limited") comes 6 times between 6:30 and 8 AM and is a lot quicker than the regular 51. The T is relatively quick and painless, but the concept of driving in order to take public transit has always been unappealing to me, personally.

I just so completely loathe the bus. I had to take it a few years back and I've never fully recovered. Frankly, it's never as clean and it's just so damned loud...

shlewis · 04-11-2012, 08:14 PM

Just to update the thread for anyone curious how my commute has turned out.

I've been driving to the Memorial Hall stop daily. I leave my house at around 7:20 and I'm usually on the 7:45 T. I manage to make my stop at Crazy Mocha in Market Square and I'm at my desk around 8:15. Not a terrible commute.

This morning I left my house at 7:10 and I made it to my desk for 7:45.

So, at $50/month for a parking pass and anywhere from 35-50 minutes, I've found a do-able commute.

melanie_pa · 04-16-2012, 09:09 AM

That doesn't sound bad at all. I am glad it worked out for you.

lishous23 · 04-19-2012, 12:15 PM

Another welcome to the neighborhood! We also live right off of Brownsville Rd in Brentwood. I work in the Strip 9 months out of the year and drive (I work 10-6:30, Not too much of nightmarish traffic), but in the summer I work downtown (9 - ??) . Not only does the commute suck, the parking $$ adds up big time. Last year I took the bus periodically or had my partner drop me off. We also take the back way either Becks Run or Glass Run and end up on 2nd Street. Not nearly the headache as 51. As much as I love Pittsburgh, I've lived in NYC and Boston and really get irritated with the inefficient public transportation in PGH. The T is great, but so out of the way for so many people. And the bus... well, it's not so much fun. I deal with it - but it's hard to read or chill with ALL of the stops. I wanted to try the T, but I also did not see driving over to Castle Shannon very appealing at 8am. I may have to give it a shot though based on your suggestions. Great to know it can be done! Thanks for the info! Glad it is working out for you!