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Not to be a snob, but there is some truth to this. Also, you wouldn't necessarily even save much money when taking into account gas, tolls and parking (which is expensive and not convenient) in Hoboken.
In defense of the OP, they did mention that currently both they and their SO will be carpooling and making the commute together. When having to purchase two monthly passes vs car pooling it becomes more of a wash. In addition, the demographics for the population of those towns will mostly be those with more fiscally conservative style, who do watch what they spend.
In defense of the OP, they did mention that currently both they and their SO will be carpooling and making the commute together. When having to purchase two monthly passes vs car pooling it becomes more of a wash. In addition, the demographics for the population of those towns will mostly be those with more fiscally conservative style, who do watch what they spend.
KoalaNJ
That's my point. The OP mentioned driving as a way to save money, not break even.
That's my point. The OP mentioned driving as a way to save money, not break even.
Since the OP would either have to purchase 2 monthly passes, carpooling usually does come out ahead. Considering that they would have most of the expense of a car anyway just to be able to function out in the burbs, so the only "additional outlay" is either $466 a month for the train, or gas, tolls, wear/maintenance on the car. True their car insurance will be higher, since if they commuted via train, their car would be in the least expensive "pleasure" category, but the cost of gas/tolls, maintenance plus differential in insurance still should be less than the cost of the two train tickets. A lot depends on the vehicle, and the OP's driving record, it could be quite close though.
Since the OP would either have to purchase 2 monthly passes, carpooling usually does come out ahead. Considering that they would have most of the expense of a car anyway just to be able to function out in the burbs, so the only "additional outlay" is either $466 a month for the train, or gas, tolls, wear/maintenance on the car. True their car insurance will be higher, since if they commuted via train, their car would be in the least expensive "pleasure" category, but the cost of gas/tolls, maintenance plus differential in insurance still should be less than the cost of the two train tickets. A lot depends on the vehicle, and the OP's driving record, it could be quite close though.
KoalaNJ
Another consideration is that both train passes can be paid with pre-tax dollars, but only the parking in Hoboken would be eligible for pre-tax payment. Anyway, I already acknowledged that driving could be cheaper. Personally, I don't think the savings would be worth the stress of dealing with rush-hour traffic every day (particularly given the work being done on the Pulaski), but of course it's up to the OP to weigh the pros and cons on their own.
Another consideration is that both train passes can be paid with pre-tax dollars, but only the parking in Hoboken would be eligible for pre-tax payment. Anyway, I already acknowledged that driving could be cheaper. Personally, I don't think the savings would be worth the stress of dealing with rush-hour traffic every day (particularly given the work being done on the Pulaski), but of course it's up to the OP to weigh the pros and cons on their own.
I am in total agreement with you there, nnjguy. Personally, I think driving that commute daily would wear me out, and grind me down. It's just not worth it. At least when commuting by train, you can make use of the time spent in transit, and not have to take blood pressure meds as a result of dealing with the traffic jams, and crazy drivers.
Another consideration is that both train passes can be paid with pre-tax dollars, but only the parking in Hoboken would be eligible for pre-tax payment. Anyway, I already acknowledged that driving could be cheaper. Personally, I don't think the savings would be worth the stress of dealing with rush-hour traffic every day (particularly given the work being done on the Pulaski), but of course it's up to the OP to weigh the pros and cons on their own.
I believe only like $110 or $130 of the train pass is pre-tax.
Thanks for the input. Ironic as it seems, car pooling does seem to work cheaper compared to the trains. Of course, the traffic is a whole other matter!
If you're worried about a $233 rail pass, you're probably not moving to Millburn or Westfield anyway.
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