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I'm circling around trying to pin down my requirements. It seems inevitible that I will be working in Boston, at least initially. So I would like to be able to have a commute that is not insane.
I really don't want to take a bus. I hate buses. I'd rather drive. But I'd rather take a train, if it isn't insanely expensive. I see Exeter has an Amtrak. But $14 each way, man that would be expensive. Are there monthly passes?
I am considering the following due to proximity:
Derry
Nashua
Hollis
Salem (closest, but almost too close to Mass that I don't feel like I'm far enough into the state, lol)
OK then... looking at the remainder of your email, I see that you're wanting to be in the greater Nashua/Londonderry area. IMO, Lowell would be your best bet from any of the towns that you listed. I understand what you mean about not being far enough into the state--Salem is right on the border, and there is HUGE Mass influence coming into the area for tax free shopping, cheap cigarettes, etc... Some really nice areas though, once you get away from the shopping and traffic nightmare that is Route 28
Last edited by Valerie C; 11-11-2008 at 10:16 PM..
Reason: never mind...
I come down 93 and think that he Lowell station takes me too far West (out of my way) so drive to Anderson-Woburn rail station (exit 37C on I-93) and take the commuter rail from there. There are far more trains than Haverhill -- and there is long-term track work at Haverhill that really slows things down.
I might switch to the Andover station at some point but for now Woburn works for me. It's about 15 minutes into MA (depending on when you go...) and right off 93, and has TONS of parking -- some stations don't so you better get there by 7-ish if you want a spot! From Anderson it's about a 20-25 minute train ride, I think.
And with that -- off to make my coffee and get a move on... J.
I really don't want to take a bus. I hate buses. I'd rather drive.
Does it matter what KIND of bus? The only reason I ask is that I hate taking the normal transit busses (like the city busses); but don't really mind the motorcoach style busses...
I'm fairly sure there is motorcoach style bus service from Nashua- that's the only reason i ask.
Which is why I linked for the entire line in my first post. The Haverhill line includes Andover, etc. NDQ, how far up (down?) the line does the track work extend? I generally park at the Bradford Station instead of Haverhill (across the "new" bridge that took 5+ years to get built!)
FWIW, here's a graphic of the T's North Station Commuter Rail lines:
Plus, as BF mentions, there are buses and there are buses... Another option might be the Concord Trailways bus from Exit 4 in Londonderry (which GregW takes to South Station every morning). AND there is a huge transit station being built at Exit 5 (between Londonderry and Manchester) for park-n-ride and bus service to Boston.
Lots of options...
Quote:
Originally Posted by notdancingqueen
There are far more trains than Haverhill -- and there is long-term track work at Haverhill that really slows things down.
I might switch to the Andover station at some point but for now Woburn works for me. It's about 15 minutes into MA (depending on when you go...) and right off 93, and has TONS of parking -- some stations don't so you better get there by 7-ish if you want a spot! From Anderson it's about a 20-25 minute train ride, I think.
Moving over - Concord Coach (the Trailways connection has been dropped) has opened service to Boston from Exits 2, 34 & 5 on I-93. I have been taking these busses from exit 4 to Boston and return for many years. INHO these intercity busses are more comfortable and faster than driving (even to a transit rail stop) and far less expensive than driving and parking in the city. The inbound trip takes about 40 minutes (I take the 5:30 to avoid traffic) and outbound leaving Boston at 3:45 in the afternoon usually gets to Londonderry around 5:00 PM. I have been doing this for long enough to be sleeping from Rt 102 to the elevated portion of I-93 on the inbound trip and from south station to exit 1 northbound.
Call
Concord Coach or stop by one of the stations to get more information and the new schedules.
When I do take the MBTA trains I think I should have paid more because I am on a museum train on antiquated track sitting in worn out seats. The Boston subways are worse.
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
A friend of mine takes the Concord Coach bus every day from Manchester to Boston. It is a direct route with two stops in Boston. He works right near south station, so it works for him. You'll need to determine how far it is from your office to the end of the public transport. Say you lived in Hollis (nice town) and wanted to get to North Station. Drive to Lowell (30 minutes) and take the train to North Station in Boston. Not bad. But if you have to get to the financial district, you'd then have to get on the T and you'd have three legs - car, train, subway. Not good.
None taken It's definitely not a "one-size fits all" when it comes to commuting to Mass from NH. I'm just used to calling it the Haverhill line, Lowell line, etc. 'cuz those are the last stops. Haverhill from the 93 area of NH would be a PIA to get to, Andover or Ballardvale much easier. I would recommend the Haverhill (or Bradford) stops only if someone was coming from Plaistow, Newton area
Quote:
Originally Posted by notdancingqueen
Sorry - didn't mean to come across as critical of what you said Val. Just was trying to add an additional perspective and consideration. :-)
Totally take your point there, Val! I am not as familiar with the individual stops on each line yet - my bad.
The other piece that I think OP should consider is the amount of parking available at each station he's considering -- some stations have very little parking, some tons.
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