Driving (and parking) downtown vs. bus/LRT from Mt. Lebanon? (Liberty: lease, how much)

[DomerJen]

So the buses or T, depending on which area we move to, seem to be a 25-30min ride downtown in the mornings. Not too bad. But DH doesn't work 9-5 hours usually, and is interested in the difference in commute times if he were to drive (I think he's tired of living by a train schedule after 8 years, too).

The alternative is to drive downtown. But I can't figure out:

1) How's the drive time during the morning commute? DH will be going to 5th ave and Grant - let's say from around Main Park for a start point for now.
2) How late does the Pgh rush hour last in the evenings? Do things calm down by 6:30?
3) Are there inexpensive lots downtown to park in? How much would it be to park in the vicinity of 5th and Grant?

I'm googling to no avail... please help if you can!

[I_Like_Spam]

The South Hills is a bear to drive to or from, as all the traffic has to funnel through the tunnels, although you should be ok and be able to make it to town in 15 minutes most mornings if you leave by 6:30.

Parking downtown is expensive, particularly around the courthouse at 5th and Grant.

Its a bit of a walk, but if you're early enough you can park at Allies and Wood or 9th and Penn for $9.75.

If you go downtown at 8:30, the traffic will be a lot worse, and the "cheap" parking spaces will be gone and it will take longer and might cost close to twice as much to park, if you can find a space.

[Bong477]

I don't have personal experience commuting from Mt. Lebo to downtown, but the Ft. Pitt Tunnel is pretty bad at rush hour. I'm not sure if an alternate, longer route like the West End or Liberty Bridge saves any time, I doubt it. Figure on something in the 45-60min ballpark at peak times. Traffic is bad 7-9am, 4-6pm, the rest of the time is not too bad. By 6:30pm, traffic has died down substantially. Parking is expensive, downtown lease (depending on the garage) is around $200-250/month or $10-13/day ballpark at the parking authority lots, there might be some cheaper options someone else can share with you but I'm not aware of any.

[Bong477]

Here's the parking authority lots and rates: http://www.pittsburghparking.com/assets/12-17-10_rate_chart.pdf (broken link)