Mt. Lebanon to CMU by public transport -- make sense? (Pittsburgh: home, transfer)

[dcraider]

So taking the T to downtown Pitt from Mt. Lebanon and then taking bus from downtown to CMU. Sounds like a 45 minute commute. Anyhow do it? Is taking public transport from Mt. Lebanon to CMU just not worth it? Anyhow out there try it? Trying to figure out if I move to ML, if I will take public transport (which I want to) OR will I have to commute in by car and pay for parking.

The T just sounds so convenient right there but looks good only if you work right downtown.

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by dcraider

So taking the T to downtown Pitt from Mt. Lebanon and then taking bus from downtown to CMU. Sounds like a 45 minute commute. Anyhow do it? Is taking public transport from Mt. Lebanon to CMU just not worth it? Anyhow out there try it? Trying to figure out if I move to ML, if I will take public transport (which I want to) OR will I have to commute in by car and pay for parking.

The T just sounds so convenient right there but looks good only if you work right downtown.

The T is not like the subway in NY, or the Metro in DC. It works like a bus, stopping at what seems like every streetcorner. I have never once taken it from Mt. Lebanon to CMU, but I'd imagine it would be a dreary experience, kind of like taking the #1 train from Christopher Street to Columbia U in NY (the localest local).

[greg42]

The transfer does add time, but on the other hand the bus service between downtown and Oakland is plentiful and frequent.

I wouldn't choose Mt Lebo if you're going to drive, although certainly plenty do make that choice. That's just me.

For a non-transfer transit commute you are limited mostly to east neighborhoods. Squirrel Hill, is that one you were looking at? That would be a good choice perhaps.

[mangmang]

Do some dry runs to get a feel for the commute length and whether you can stand it. I did the reverse of this commute for a bit a couple years ago and I found riding the T to Mt. Lebo pretty enjoyable.

[trackstar13]

Driving makes the most sense for this commute and I used to do it for a few years. The main problem is that the T does not go North, East, West, etc. it is mainly a South Hills to downtown commuter train. CMU is far enough east that the extra time it takes to transfer can be problematic.

[Evergrey]

If you're interested in a Mt. Lebanon style environment... and you work at CMU... you might as well look at Pittsburgh's East End for living options instead... notably Squirrel Hill. It will save on your commute hassels.

[fleetiebelle]

Originally Posted by track2514

Driving makes the most sense for this commute and I used to do it for a few years. The main problem is that the T does not go North, East, West, etc. it is mainly a South Hills to downtown commuter train. CMU is far enough east that the extra time it takes to transfer can be problematic.

It's not usually that bad, though. When I bus it I take the T from Beechview to Steel Plaza and catch a bus from the Fifth and Ross stop. There's usually a 61 of some variety to catch to campus, and in a pinch you might have to take a 71 and walk, but it's not often. You're right in that driving from Mt. Lebo to Oakland is faster, but the parking part once you get there is always an issue.

[trackstar13]

Originally Posted by fleetiebelle

It's not usually that bad, though. When I bus it I take the T from Beechview to Steel Plaza and catch a bus from the Fifth and Ross stop. There's usually a 61 of some variety to catch to campus, and in a pinch you might have to take a 71 and walk, but it's not often. You're right in that driving from Mt. Lebo to Oakland is faster, but the parking part once you get there is always an issue.

Yeah I can agree with you about the parking and it depends on the OP's situation. When I used to make this commute I had a monthly parking spot so that was already taken care of before I left the house.

[trackstar13]

Originally Posted by Evergrey

If you're interested in a Mt. Lebanon style environment... and you work at CMU... you might as well look at Pittsburgh's East End for living options instead... notably Squirrel Hill. It will save on your commute hassels.

Good recommendation and if I currently worked near CMU this is where I would also live to cut down on commute time. It really depends on why the OP is living in Lebo because there are a few differences. The parking situation in Lebo is usually better and the availability of off street parking can sometimes be an issue in Squirrel Hill. The other main difference I would say is the overall quality of the public schools with Lebo having a little bit better schools. With that being said Allderdice is a great school and I would have no problem sending my children there.

[I_Like_Spam]

If you're already in Mt. Lebo and have your home there, it isn't the worst commute to Oakland.

But if your moving in from another region and looking for a place, you'd do a lot better and a lot easier commute if you find someplace in the east.