Commuting via public transportation: how long is too long? (Peoria: rent, transfer to)

[eevee]

hey guys, I've got a question for you: how long is too long in regards to commuting via the CTA? would you rather have a shorter commute that involved taking a bus, or a slightly longer (20-30mins) commute that only involved the L? what about if the commute via the L involved a line transfer downtown?

I live in West Humboldt Park now but may have an opportunity to move in w/ friends in the Bridgeport/Pilsen area (it's not 100% which, but we're looking at places w/in walking distance of either the pink or orange line). I work at O'Hare so need to take the bus to the blue line then the train to the airport. right now, it takes me about 1 hour to get to school downtown (bus+train+bus if I'm being lazy) and about 60-90mins to get to work (longer if they're doing that godforsaken track work). if I moved, it would take me much less time to get to class, but more time to get to work.

a part of me is leaning towards moving (the places we're looking at are also w/in walking distance of supermarkets and other businesses. living in WHP, I have to take a bus to the supermarket) but the commute to work would be hell (especially when they're doing the %$*! track work!). however, dealing w/ the bus on some days drives me insane (there was one memorable freezing evening in Feb when the #70 was over an hour late and I lost all feeling in my toes!) rent wise, it would be higher for slightly less space (but it's not as run down).

so, to bring it back to my original question (excuse me for rambling), just wondering, in your opinion, how long is too long a commute via the CTA (I don't have the option of taking the Metra)? could you do a 2 hour+ (god I hope it's not more than 2 hours!) on a train w/ a line transfer at Clark, or is that too long and a shorter commute via bus and train preferable. how long do some of you guys here commute via the CTA?

[chet everett]

I hate buses. Standing outside when it is cold or hot is hell. I always try to walk to the "next stop" to at least keep moving and go crazy when that forces me to waste more time. At least you can zone out on the CTA is the stench is not too bad, btw anybody see the article on the "detail shop" they run at the Wilmette yard? About time. Some trains look like they park them under the Pig Pen character from Peanuts...

I would really really be careful about EXTENDING the time it takes to get to work -- too easy to be late and get CANNED in this economy!

[scarletneon]

well, I have two jobs. One requires the L and a bus.. there's no budging there. but the other one, I can either take the L or the 147. Well, since they've been shutting the subways every weekend, I usually depend on the 147, and when I say depend, I say it loosely. Buses, to me are generally less reliable. However, I live on the red line and there's constantly trains coming and going.

ETA: as far as length of time goes, an hour or more doesn't really bother me, because I'm still new enough here to weigh it against the hour+ commutes in a car in Tenne-hell. My commute is usually 50 minutes max, though, to either job.

[Drover]

I don't know that it would take you any more time to get to work from Bridgeport/east Pilsen than it does now. If you're within walking distance of the Pink or Orange Line, you wouldn't have to take a bus; you could transfer to the Blue line either at Van Buren (Orange Line) or at Clark and Lake (Pink Line) and be on your way.

[Attrill]

I agree w/Drover. taking the bus out of the trip should more than make up for extra time spent on the Blue line (and the slow zones are getting better and should be gone in a few months).

[long101]

if I had to commute 60 90 minutes to work I would go nuts. The L ride for me is about 20 minutes max. Then I do have a 10-15 minute walk but still. I take the 18th street pink line downtown.

[hokiehigh]

I have a 1.5/2 hr commute taking the Metra and Pace bus from Bucktown to Lake Forest three days a week. I would NEVER recommend this. I am out of this commute once I find something else. I honestly think 45 min would be my max for now on.

[NearWestSider]

The UIC-Halsted blue line stop (the UIC side, not the Halsted side) has indoor bike parking, which could, depending on location, cut down the length of a commute from Bridgeport or Pilsen considerably. The best way is to come north on Morgan, make a right just north of Daley library, through the UIC campus to the L stop which is on Peoria at the Ike. The bike rack is on the other side of the turnstyles (which means it is NOT easily reachable by the average petty thief), so you'll have to ask the security gurard to let you in through the door. Alternatively, you can come down Halsted and cut through the campus just south of Taylor if that works better.

Either way, it is a very pleasant ride, and I can personally vouch for the parking. I've used it without incident for two years. Just make sure you invest in a lock commensurate with the quality of your bike.

[kuvopolis]

If it is more than an hour, I get antsy. I live about 45 minutes from the Loop.

[Drover]

So eevee, did you end up making the move?